Hey everyone, Michael LaFido here coming to you live from sunny San Diego! I just wrapped up an incredible time at the Inman Conference, and I wanted to share some key takeaways with you from this week’s Luxury Weekly update.
First off, the energy out here is amazing. Between great networking events—including a standout party hosted by LPT—and plenty of opportunities to connect, it’s clear that the real estate community is buzzing with ideas, even as many markets slow down.
One huge highlight? Tony Hawk, the legendary skateboarder, was our keynote speaker! He really drove home the importance of perseverance and following your passion, even when things look uncertain. Tony shared stories about his early days, how he powered through failures, and his leap of faith in turning down a major $500,000 buyout, which ultimately changed his career. It was a great reminder to trust in your path and keep pushing forward.
When it comes to real estate trends, AI is the talk of the town. Whether it’s enhancing photos, streamlining video production, or managing databases more efficiently, artificial intelligence is everywhere—and it’s not going anywhere. If you want to stay ahead, now’s the time to dive in. And, if you haven't already, make sure to check out our Luxury Listing Specials podcast for deep dives into these topics. We’re back with new episodes!
While some markets are slowing and many agents are feeling the pinch, now’s not the time to pull back. In fact, I’m doubling down—just invested in a second Chicagoland billboard even as others are retreating. Remember, every downturn creates new top producers. The agents who go “all in” now are the ones who come out ahead when the market rebounds.
My challenge to you: get out there and network! Even if you can’t attend every conference session, the lobby chats, real talk with top producers, and best practices you pick up are invaluable. And, as always, finish the third quarter strong!
Make it a great day and let’s keep raising the bar together. Talk soon!
– Michael LaFido