Welcome to Our Thoughts

Writings from Mark A. McLaughlin

August 25, 2023
Return to Compass - Sunrises Follow Sunsets
I am pleased to report on my reengagement with Compass as Chief Real Estate Strategist.
August 22, 2023
M&A Update: Dilbeck merges with Engel & Völkers
Congratulations to Dilbeck Real Estate in Southern California and their family-like culture and team, to have found an amazing merger opportunity…
July 12, 2023
Mortgage JV or Mortgage Brokerage Model?
As CEO of of the fifth largest real estate brokerage in USA by sales volume, we had two different mortgage JVs from 2010 to 2017. Starting in…
June 26, 2023
What is the most significant sector of proptech going forward?
A Conversation with Mike DelPrete, 4 of 4
June 22, 2023
Will the agent survive the brokerage?
A Conversation with Mike DelPrete, 3 of 4
June 20, 2023
Cash Is King
A Conversation with Mike DelPrete: 2 of 4
June 15, 2023
Why agents will remain at the center of the transaction
A Conversation with Mike DelPrete
June 12, 2023
Keep Your Clients Closer
The consumer-direct momentum in the residential mortgage business continues to accelerate. Lenders are focused on giving both homeowners &…
May 9, 2023
Compelling Content is Relevant & Sticky
Last week I spoke at three different conferences, all three in Florida. It was fascinating to participate in these three gatherings and observe how…
April 28, 2023
Passing the Test and Making Magic
I was a C student in my best days and always feared tests as the measure of knowledge, intellect or aptitude. I guess I was more of an…
April 24, 2023
Note to Sellers – New Home Builders Own the Headlines
We have clearly passed tax day. And while the market fell short (by 10%) of my specific prediction of a seasonally adjusted pace of 5 million homes…
April 3, 2023
Spring — No Foolin'
April 1, Fool's Day, is generally filled with fun.Indeed, we accomplished every aspect of fun on April 1 in Jackson, WY this year.With…
March 13, 2023
The Epicenter of Startups – SVB
Thursday, March 9, 2023, the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) earthquake started rattling our economic world. We all reflected on the events of the great…
February 14, 2023
No tie. No socks.
It’s an honor to have been invited to spend time with Mike and the Bayleys team, providing keynotes for the Bayleys Residential Managers and Franchise Forum of Business Owners.
February 8, 2023
UC Boulder – Very Sharp Students, Mike DelPrete
University of Colorado, Boulder's Leeds School of Business Scholar in Residence invited me to speak with his class of seniors studying real estate.
January 30, 2023
The “Chase” Is On!
On Thursday and Friday of last week, I participated in the Chase International Leadership Retreat — a gathering of more than 20 Chase…
January 23, 2023
Get Me to Tax Day!
I am certainly not an economist, and I only modestly invested in the equity markets. I am real estate to the core. We are within ninety days of Tax…
January 9, 2023
It Was the Best of Times
Consolidation is indeed happening. Have you thoroughly examined and considered a course correction for your business?
December 27, 2022
Retention, Recruiting, and Acquisitions as Operating Leverage
I do my best reading and creative thinking while riding my bike that goes nowhere (aka my stationary bike). Yesterday, before skiing, I came across…
November 30, 2022
M&A Update l The Art of Luxury
Congratulations to Aaron Kirman in Beverly Hills and the entire AKG team to have found an amazing exclusive brand with Christie’s to create AKG…
November 9, 2022
Course Correction – Now Overdue!
Dear Real Estate Leaders,This article was originally published at RealTrends.com on March 29, 2022.While we are republishing the same…
October 25, 2022
M&A Update l Two Amazing Cultures Will Create Greatness
Congratulations to Richardson Properties in San Luis Obispo County, CA to have found an amazing merger opportunity with LIV Sotheby’s to create Richardson Sotheby’s International Realty.
October 4, 2022
Q4 2022 & The Chess Board
The 4th quarter of 2022 is off and running. I am seeing new distinct behaviors in the residential real estate market. The first are those companies…
September 30, 2022
Surprise Wedding Wyoming Style
A week ago today, we had a small gathering of family and friends to celebrate our engagement. Monique and I are so fortunate to have found each…
September 13, 2022
Webinar – Navigating Today’s Market Dynamics
Please join me and Brian Boero, Co-Founder of 1000Watt on Thursday at 10:00 AM PT on proven strategies to navigate dynamic markets.Thanks!
Mark
September 6, 2022
Are You Managing to the Top or to the Middle?
If a business invests in a culture, platform, and technology that the top performers embrace and successfully execute, the entire organization watches their performance.
August 5, 2022
It's the People I Miss the Most!
Last week marked the 13th anniversary of acquiring Pacific Union. The real estate markets were not vibrant in August 2009. In fact, they were quite stressful. But our journey was vibrant, and the greatest part of our journey was our people.
July 27, 2022
Success is a Decision l Opportunity for Growth
We have plenty of fog and noise in the housing and mortgage markets. One perspective repeated by Barry Habib of MBA Highway is “Success is a Decision.”
June 27, 2022
Enhanced Mergers & Acquisition Services
Today, we are thrilled to announce a partnership between McLaughlin Ventures and the WAV Group to provide expanded M&A services to brokerage…
June 21, 2022
Opportunity Knocks & Information is Power
Fortunes are made in times of adversity. Changing real estate markets, adverse equity markets, and rising interest rates all contribute to opportunity. This is when opportunity knocks. A time for leadership to stand tall!
May 24, 2022
Pace of change, fee transparency will test brokerage value proposition
A market shift and a move toward greater fee transparency will test your brokerage's value proposition.
April 18, 2022
Results Count, Even In Stealth Mode
As you may know, I retired from the daily demands of real estate last year, and accomplished a different set of goals than I normally have in years…
March 29, 2022
Real estate leaders, it’s time for a course correction
Having started my first residential brokerage business in Marin County, California in 2006, I enjoyed 20 months of hyper-growth as a start up only to…
March 7, 2022
Fortitude & Compassion
Dear Colleagues:Although I have accomplished the ability to manage through “noise,” the past ten days have been extremely distracting…
February 18, 2022
Do you really want your clients using Zillow’s “housing super app”?
If the technology or "housing super app" is not from you – it will be a gift given to your client by someone else.
January 18, 2022
Nobody wants to be managed
Nobody wants to be managed. Management, teamwork and leadership – what’s the difference?Thriving organizations in the real…
January 10, 2022
Lots of News / Noise Last Week – 2022 Will be a Solid Year in Real Estate!
Last week, I spent a significant amount of time reading research, listening to podcasts and trying to make sense of the 2022 real estate market. My…
December 14, 2021
People First, Followed by EBITDA
Last week, I had an inspiring coaching session with a real estate brokerage owner on the Eastern seaboard. The session surrounded hiring and…
November 17, 2021
Vision Over Noise
Noise can be a distraction - like a crisis – if you allow it. The ability to manage through “noise” is one of the many benefits of having a clear Vision.
October 25, 2021
Artificial Intelligence & Relationships
People and relationships drive our businesses. For some, relationships and referrals make up more than 60% of their business. My friend…
October 4, 2021
What is your Vision 2026?
Have you thought about “Who is Chasing Whom?”
Don’t model your future based on your bordering competitors as that compromises innovation and greatness. Model your business and your team around the consumer – our real estate professionals’ clients!