Life at Ten Tenths

In 1977, George Lucas released the original Star Wars without any of the standard opening production credits. No studio card, no director credit, no scroll of names. Just the words "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..." and straight into the story. Did you realize the Directors Guild actually fined him $250,000 for it? Lucas paid the fine. He cared more about the audience's experience than about who got named in front of it. We explore what it actually looks like to put the customer first in a real estate business, and why most agents say they do it but really don't. This conversations unpacks alot! We also dive into whether putting the customer first is expensive or sustainable. It comes down to asking one honest question of every process, every touch, and every hiring decision in your business: is this about me, or is this about them? The money stops being the goal and becomes the byproduct, and the referrals stop being something you chase and become something you receive.

Another epic session with Matt Bonelli and Garrett Frey.

You do the work, carry all the risk, and hope you get paid at closing. This episode breaks down fee models that change that.Join Matt and Garrett for a conversation as they explore what charging looks like outside the standard commission box: flat fees for your marketing and expertise, upfront money on overpriced listings, risk-shifting out clauses, and why more money options actually take pressure off the money conversation. Ideas to react to, not rules to follow, and they want to hear your take.→ Join the conversation inside the Ten Tenths community: https://tentenths.co

You've been told to build systems. You've been told to automate. You've been told the agents who scale are the ones who don't do everything manually. All of that is true. And there is one thing you should never, ever put on autopilot. And if you're doing it right now, you're not building your business. You're quietly wearing it down.In this conversation, we get into the one category of client touch that has to stay personal, no matter how big your database gets.This is about doing the right things in the right places. It comes down to automating the value delivery (reports, data, information the client can use) and leaving the emotional moments alone.Done right, your clients feel seen instead of processed, and the referral machine you've been trying to build actually starts to spin.Join us in the 11 Circle for weekly coaching with Matt and Garrett, additional resources, and full access to our online community. Join at https://tentenths.coHosted by Matt Bonelli and Garrett Frey, TenTenths.co—#realestate #realtor #realestateagent #realestatecoaching #realestatebusiness #clientexperience #referrals #realestatesystems #realestatesuccess

Google launched a real estate product pairing listings with buyer's agents. Every platform is pitching you their pipeline. Underneath all of it is the same message: pay to play, or fall behind. We don't buy it. And when you see the actual math, you might not either.In this conversation, we get into what buying real estate leads actually costs, when it can work, and why it's almost never the answer people think it is. We unpack the video that started this whole conversation (a strong take that agents need to buy Google placements or they're making a "dumb business decision"), why the 3% conversion rate is the benchmark most agents don't want to hear, the math that says 1,500 leads a year turns into 45 deals if you're doing everything right (which is 4.2 leads a day you have to actively work).Our take, you can outperform the agents buying leads, by developing a strong 100 person database that you show up for consistently and let the seven-year cycle plus referrals do the heavy lifting. Done right, you stop chasing strangers at a 3% conversion rate and start running a business that compounds every year you stay in it. Not to mention is a whole lot more fun!

"Wet Blanket" might not immediately bring an idea to mind, but we would argue once you hear our definition at least one listing or client will come to mind immediately.In this conversation, we get into the "wet blanket" listings that quietly wreck your business, your energy, and your life. One of the beautiful things of this business is that you get to choose who you work with. You don't have to take every listing, The ones you say no to make room for the ones you were meant to serve. It comes down to laying out your process clearly upfront so the seller can opt in with full understanding, chasing what Matt calls the "unified yes" (where their yes and your yes are the same yes), and being willing to refer out the ones that aren't in alignment. Done right, you stop dragging comforters through your day and start running a business that actually fuels your life.Join at https://tentenths.coHosted by Matt Bonelli and Garrett Frey, Life at Ten Tenths.#realestate #realtor #realestateagent #realestatecoaching #realestatebusiness #listings #listingagent #realestatesuccess #burnout

You're sitting at the listing appointment. Your seller has run their home through Zillow, asked ChatGPT what it's worth, talked to a neighbor who sold last year, and read a Facebook post that confirmed everything they already believed. They walk in fully confident. And you have about ten minutes to work with that.In this conversation, we get into the Dunning-Kruger Effect and what it actually looks like in a real estate transaction. We unpack "Mount Stupid" and "The Valley of Despair" (the two landmarks on the learning curve every client and every agent passes through), why your clients hit peak confidence the moment they know just enough to be dangerous, why this is amplified in real estate specifically because so much of the knowledge only comes from doing the work, Garrett's stock market run (and the moment "the Garrett hedge fund" got humbled), the track day version of the same curve, why the Zillow Zestimate accuracy rating is the most underused conversation-starter you have, the Facebook commenter effect and why everyone's the loudest right before they actually engage, the agent who thinks the high-producer next door is "just lucky," and the closing reframe that you don't avoid this curve. Riding it is growth.If you are thinking you have to knock your client off the mountain to get them to where you need them to be - not quite! It simply comes down to a few things. First, acknowledging they were smart to do research up front, the best of us do. Acknowledge that they got information from somewhere they trust. And show genuine appreciation that they are coming to the table with some ideas. Then collaboratively bringing new information to the table without making them defensive. Done right, confident clients become committed clients, and committed clients close.Want to joins us for weekly coaching - check out tentenths.co

An Epic Episode with Matt Bonelli and Garrett Frey.

If you have a listing sitting on the market right now, and the price is right, the location is right, the comps support it, and it still isn't moving, this episode is for you. There's something else going on, and most agents are missing it. In this conversation, we get into the $100 bill analogy that explains why buyers keep picking the house down the street over yours. This isn't a real estate quirk (it's how people value everything). Good news is most of this is in the seller's control if you can have the right conversation upfront. It comes down to helping the seller see what the buyer sees, which is hard because they've lived with the wrinkles for so long the wrinkles have become invisible. Done right, your listing stops being the one buyers walk past and starts being the one they pick.Host by: Matt Bonelli and Garrett Frey.

The magic combination of these three things is the difference between a full pipeline and wondering why your neighbor is listing with a different agent.In this conversation, we get into the three-legged stool that is winning real estate business in this market: competency, relationship, and energy. We unpack why competency is the foundation that has to come first (no matter how much someone likes you, they are not hiring you with the biggest asset in their life if they don't trust you to get the job done), the study we did where people knew ten realtors and would use none of them, the Walrus Ice Cream "line out the door" effect and why proof of concept matters more than agents realize, and the trick of how to build trust before someone ever hires you using a market impact report.Stop wondering why deals are going to other agents and start being the agent your sphere can't imagine using anyone else for.Join us in the 11 Circle for weekly coaching with Matt and Garrett, additional resources, and full access to our online community. Join at https://tentenths.co Hosted by Matt Bonelli and Garrett Frey, Life at Ten Tenths. #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #realestatecoaching #realestatebusiness #trust #referrals #listings #realestatesuccess

Are you like the majority of agents who know they should delegate and automate? You try to hire an assistant or implement a new AI tool, only to have it fail miserably. In the end, you spend more time fixing the mess than if you had just done it yourself in the first place. The strategy wasn't the problem. The missing piece was.In this conversation, we get into standard operating procedures and why they're the prerequisite to almost everything you're trying to add to your business right now. We unpack why most agents have procedures locked in their head but never on paper, the restaurant dishwasher analogy Garrett uses to break a business into the small chunks you can actually systematize, the "definition of done" that turns a vague task into a finished one, the BMW brake job that paid Garrett the equivalent of $1,400 an hour because he had the experience and the process, Dan Martell's Buy Back Your Time and why we keep coming back to it, the trap of handing a brand new hire the job of writing their own SOP, and the SOP Builder we put together at tentenths.co/sop-builder to walk you through your first one.You already have the experience. The work is just getting it out of your head and onto paper, one process at a time. It comes down to picking one routine task you did today, sitting down with the SOP Builder, and letting it ask you the questions that unlock the procedure. Done right, your business becomes something you can hand off, automate against, and trust. And that's when hiring works, AI works, and burnout finally starts going the other direction.Process plus experience equals freedom.Join us in the 11 Circle for weekly coaching, additional resources, and full access to our online community. Join at https://tentenths.coHosted by Matt Bonelli and Garrett Frey, Life at Ten Tenths.#realestate #realtor #realestateagent #realestatecoaching #realestatebusiness #sops #standardoperatingprocedures #hiring #ai #burnout

If you are like most agents, you look at the housing market data once a year, attend office meetings where market data is reviewed from time to time, read the headlines that catch your eye, and call yourself informed. The problem is you are expected to be an expert in your market, but you have done little more than someone living in your town.In this conversation, we get into our favorite tool, the one that literally makes you an expert in your market. The FHFA House Price Index has got to be the most underused tool in our business. We unpack how you can uncover regional nuances (Oakland vs. San Francisco are a great example on the latest report), how the numbers prove appreciation isn't what actually drives most real estate decisions, and what going from the top of the list to the bottom of the list really means. We get into how to pair this data with AI to spot trends, why running a blanket over a state will get you wrong every time, and the closing reality that buyers and sellers right now are choosing the agent who feels like a safe space: low drama, low stress, has answers.We also get into what we believe is the fix. The best part: this data is free, it's published every quarter, and most of your competition isn't looking at it. It comes down to picking a handful of markets, watching the same numbers each quarter, and using what you see to start better conversations with the people in your database. Done right, you stop competing on price and start showing up as the expert worth hiring.Join us in the 11 Circle for weekly coaching with Matt and Garrett, additional resources, and full access to our online community. Join at https://tentenths.coHosted by Matt Bonelli and Garrett Frey, Life at Ten Tenths. #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #realestatecoaching #realestatedata #housingmarket #realestatebusiness #marketupdate #listings

Do you feel like you are doing all the "right" activities, sending cards, popping by, doing all the things? Only to then watch a past client list with a different agent and wonder what happened. The activities aren't the problem. The intention is.In this conversation, we get into the difference between quality time and quantity time, and why the referral-based business you're trying to build runs on the second one. Years ago, Garrett's dad passed along a lesson he learned from Stephen Covey that has heavily influenced how he treats the relationships in his world. You will hear recent personal stories, as well as, get a glimpse of how this plays out in the businesses of agents we coach who are closing high volume (70 to 90 sides a year by themselves). Once again, we explore Dunbar's number 150 and how it relates to your success, and we even get into the phone-on-the-table problem killing trust before you even realize it.Buckle up, this is a wide-ranging conversation with ideas you can implement today that will turn your business around. The best part is we are talking about game changers that cost nothing but some effort on your part. Get honest about your intention before every touch, hone in on the small group of people you want to commit quantity time to, and show up without keeping score. Done right, the database stops feeling like a list to work and starts feeling like the relationships that fuel your business and your life at the same time.

You just spent months building a relationship through one of the most stressful, emotional purchases of someone's life. Then the deal closes, you cash the check, and you move on. Sound familiar? In this conversation, we get into the post-closing system most agents never build, and why it might be the single biggest leak in your business. The real estate industry trains us to be world-class at finding new buyers and sellers, and almost nothing on what to do with the ones we already have. We unpack the four-phase post-closing program we built ( free at https://tentenths.co/postclosing ), the Four Seasons Vail check-in moment that Garrett still tells people about years later, the Hall Steakhouse handwritten note and the bite of Wagyu that ruined every steak after it, the day-after-closing call most agents are too afraid to make, the lifestyle check-ins that uncover whether the reason they bought is actually being fulfilled, and the annual market impact report that turns a one-time client into a 20-year relationship. We also get into what we believe is the fix. The best part: the cost to acquire a referral is a fraction of the cost of a paid lead, and the relationship is already warm. It comes down to compressing your touches in the first 30 days, then settling into a six-month cadence that just keeps the energy going. Done right, you stop having to find the next deal because the next deal keeps finding you.

Long to-do lists, busy days, and somehow you still end up feeling stuck. If that sounds like your week, this is the episode. The word priority means the thing, singular, but somewhere along the way we pluralized it into priorities and ended up with a to-do list that owns us. In this conversation, we get into the one thing principle that can help you find your sanity and move forward. We unpack Sahil Bloom's index card method, Garrett's morning mission and vision read, Matt's dad's warning about being a realtor all day, and the alignment loop we teach as a daily cadence of ignition, launch, and shutdown. Done right, it leads to no more long lists, no more overwhelm, no more ending the day wondering what you actually accomplished. Just one thing, every day, that pushes you toward the person you're becoming.

Most agents are running the wrong race. They're chasing somebody else's number, comparing themselves to the agent in the next office, and quietly wondering why hitting the goal didn't feel the way it was supposed to. In this conversation, we get into the trap of borrowed visions. A study by Michael Norton found that millionaires at every income level say they'd need two to three times more money to be happy, and that number never stops moving. We unpack why that happens, what Sahil Bloom's Five Types of Wealth gets right about the disconnect, why trying to be the next Ryan Serhant or Gary Vee might not be the right aspiration, and how some agents are winning at the only race that matters. We also get into what we believe is the fix. Added bonus, when you do this work upfront, the business stops feeling like a treadmill and starts fueling the life you actually want. It comes down to building your own vision first, in real detail, before you set a single income goal. Happiness leads, success follows. Your business should fuel your life, not consume it. Join us in the 11 Circle for weekly coaching with Matt and Garrett, additional resources, and full access to our online community. Join at https://tentenths.co Hosted by Matt Bonelli and Garrett Frey, Life at Ten Tenths. #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #realestatecoaching #realestatebusiness #mindset #vision #realestatesuccess #burnout

Your buyers and sellers are asking ChatGPT about your listings, consulting it about offers, and double-checking your advice. It is causing frustration, undermining your efforts, and in some cases blowing up deals.Matt and Garrett unpack what happens when clients run a transaction past AI mid-deal: a $500,000 spread on the same $1.5M listing from two different prompts, the Ryan Serhant deal that nearly collapsed, and why language models amplify client fear instead of filtering it.Good news, there is a fix and it will help solidify you as the expert agent positioned to get the job done. This fix is an essential upfront conversation coupled with a one-page AI guide in every buyer and listing packet.We aren't going to stop them from using AI as a resource. Nor do we want to. What we need to do is guide their use and give them some proper context.Join us in the 11 Circle for weekly coaching with Matt and Garrett, additional resources, and full access to our online community. Join at https://tentenths.co

You don't have to chase every new AI tool to stay relevant. The agents winning right now are the ones who picked what actually fits their workflow.In this Ten Tenths episode, Matt and Garrett cut through the AI overwhelm: ChatGPT vs. Claude, Whispr Flow, Granola, and the Zoom note-takers that show up before you do. You'll hear why the "you'll be left behind" pressure is mostly noise, how to test a tool against a real pain point in your business instead of stacking subscriptions, and a simple weekly check to decide what stays and what gets deleted.Real examples, honest tradeoffs, and permission to stop chasing.→ Join us at https://tentenths.co for coaching, community, and resources.

Speed bumps, problems, and the unexpected challenges are your biggest opportunity to win a client for life. Let's talk about the fund that makes it easy in the moment.In this Ten Tenths episode, Matt and Garrett unpack the "wow account": roughly 1% off the top of every closing, set aside to fix the unexpected and create moments clients never forget. You'll hear why the last thing that goes wrong becomes the anchor they remember, how to solve a client's pain instead of just absorbing it, and why this small fund pays back far beyond its cost. Real stories, low-cost ideas, and a system any agent can start this week.Let's get into it. Looking to build a real estate business that fuels your life rather than consumes it? → Join us at https://tentenths.co for coaching, community, and resources.

You might be sick of hearing about Artificial Intelligence, but everywhere you turn in our industry there is a conversation happening about how to use AI in your business.From listing descriptions… to social media posts… to email campaigns… to AI-generated videos.But here is what we want you to be asking yourself:Is AI helping you amplify your voice… or is it slowly replacing it?In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett and Matt unpack the subtle but powerful risk of relying too heavily on AI — especially in a relationship-based business like real estate.AI is an incredible tool. We use it every day. But when you skip the human friction... the editing, the feedback, the polishing... you risk losing the very thing that makes clients trust you: your voice.In this conversation, we explore:• Why AI-generated content often feels “off” (even when it sounds polished)• The difference between using AI as a thinking partner vs. a decision maker• How friction with real humans makes your content stronger• The danger of copying trends that don't match your personality• Why authenticity builds trust faster than automation ever will• How to protect your uniqueness in an AI-driven worldReal estate is built on trust. And trust is built on authenticity.AI can help you move faster — but it cannot replace your lived experience, your energy, your personality, or your relationships.If you're using AI (or thinking about it), this episode will help you use it wisely — without losing what makes you you.

The little things are often the big things.The problem is we often focus on the big things while the small things quietly sink the ship.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett and Matt unpack the small friction points that quietly create stress, slow momentum, and damage the client experience.They're not the obvious issues, or the market shifts. They aren't even the big mistakes we obsess over and let ruin our sleep. They're the subtle ones:• The unclear communication • The inconsistent follow-up • The confusing onboarding process • The unexpected inspection surprise • The undocumented systems that only you understandIndividually, they seem minor. Collectively, they cost you referrals, energy, and growth.In this conversation, we explore:• How unnoticed friction points create burnout • Why client stress often starts with process gaps • The difference between “that's just how real estate works” and a broken system • How to identify friction before it becomes a problem • Why process clarity makes you more referable • How eliminating friction fuels your life instead of consuming itThe best businesses aren't just productive. They run smoothly.Smooth businesses create confident clients.If you want fewer headaches, stronger referrals, and a process that feels steady instead of chaotic — this episode is for you.

In today's market, one phrase might be creating more confusion, frustration, and disappointment than we realize:“Fair market value.”In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Matt and Garrett dig into why we need to be careful with how we are using this phrase when talking with sellers and buyers.The reality is fair market value is not something we simply declare or control. It is something the market determines.During this discussion, we unpack:• Why pricing “below fair market value” can create the wrong expectations• The difference between fair market value and appraised value• How language can unintentionally anchor sellers to a number• Why positioning against the competition matters more than chasing a theoretical value• How buyers actually determine value in the marketplace• And why motivation matters just as much as priceThis is a powerful conversation about pricing strategy, buyer psychology, seller expectations, and communication in a shifting market.If you're a real estate agent trying to navigate pricing conversations with more confidence and clarity, we are here for you.Explore coaching, webinars, accelerators, and 11 Circle at https://tentenths.co

The market's shifting. And agents who rely on headlines or gut feelings are starting to feel it.Clarity doesn't come from guessing. It comes from knowing your numbers.In this episode, we break down why understanding your market at a deeper level isn't optional anymore. It's what gives you confidence in conversations, credibility with clients, and direction in your business.We get into how absorption rate changes the way you guide clients, the difference between where the market is headed and how fast it's moving, and why data does more than inform. It calms people down and builds trust.Because when you can clearly explain what's happening and why, everything shifts.Conversations get easier. Clients lean in. Decisions get better.The agents who win in uncertain markets aren't louder. They're clearer.If you want to turn market data into an advantage instead of a guessing game, this one's worth the listen.

Are you quietly keeping score in your relationships?“They never call me back.” “I'm always the one reaching out.” “I sent them business… where's mine?”It's hard not to notice those moments. But when we hold onto them, they start to build. And over time, they can quietly tarnish really good relationships.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett and Matt unpack why this mindset — even when subtle — can slowly erode your friendships, partnerships, and referral-based business.What started as a conversation between Matt and his six-year-old daughter about playground dynamics turned into a powerful reminder about how we show up as adults.Inside this episode, we explore:The difference between conditional and unconditional relationshipsThe danger of “always” and “never” thinkingWhy agents often misread silence from clientsHow resentment quietly creeps into referral networksThe shift from trying to get… to choosing to giveIf you've ever felt frustrated that someone wasn't matching your effort…This conversation will hit home.Because the agents who build rock-solid databases and referral businesses aren't watching the scoreboard.They're giving. They're present. They're playing the long game.And when you make that shift?It changes everything.

Jump into the Engagement Engine Accelerator - engage with your people in an authentic way that fuels your business! Stop copying "top agents". Stop thinking your personal branding is only your logos and taglines. Your personal branding is really about alignment.In this episode, Matt and Garrett unpack one of the biggest mistakes agents make: trying to be someone else.From mimicking celebrity agents…To calling yourself a “luxury agent” without living it…To posting content that doesn't actually feel like you…This episode dives into why authenticity isn't soft advice. It's a strategic advantage.We cover:• Why copying other agents leads to burnout • The difference between structure vs personality • Why “fake it till you make it” doesn't work • How to build a personal brand rooted in who you actually are • Why showing beats telling every time • What it really means to become the luxury agent, neighborhood expert, or niche authorityIf you want to build a referral-based real estate business that fuels your life instead of draining it, this episode will help you reconnect your identity with your marketing.As cliché as it sounds, at the end of the day, there really is only one you.Embrace the edge.

There's a quiet danger in momentum. You're moving. You're working. You're busy. But are you aligned? In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett and Matt walk through the power of a 90-minute quarterly reset — a focused calibration that helps you step back, assess what's actually working, and realign your actions with your long-term vision. Growth doesn't just require effort. It requires direction. And often it requires correction. Inside this conversation, we cover: Why drift happens — even when things are going “fine” The difference between adjusting your actions and lowering your standards How to revisit your mission without rewriting it every quarter When to push harder — and when to refine The role discipline plays in building a business that supports your life This isn't about starting over. It's about tightening the bolts. Clearing the fog. Making sure the path you're on is actually the one you want. A simple 90-minute reset can change the trajectory of your entire year. If you're ready to realign with intention, join us inside the Alignment Accelerator.

200 episodes in. Two years of conversations about building a business that fuels your life instead of consuming it.And if there's one thing we know for sure in today's market, it's this:Consumers are confused. Agents are confused. Deals are falling apart.And in the middle of all that noise, one thing rises above everything else:Competency.Not loud marketing.Not clever branding.Not hype.Proof.In this episode, Garrett and Matt break down:Why “just listed” and “just sold” aren't bragging — they're proofThe difference between skill and experience (and why you need both)Why confused consumers lean toward visible professionalsHow testimonials become your most powerful trust-builderWhat new agents can do today to demonstrate competencyWhy experienced agents are leaving referrals on the tableThe power of being visibly active in your marketplaceYou don't need to know everything about the market.You need to know enough — and show enough — that your clients feel safe.Because here's the truth:If they can't see your competency, they won't feel your competency.And if they don't feel it, they won't refer you.Episode 200 is a reminder that your business should create freedom, not friction. Referrals. Not resistance. Confidence. Not chaos.If you're ready to build a communication system that consistently demonstrates trust and authority, don't miss the Engagement Engine webinar.

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Is your business not producing at the levels you want it to be producing?Join us April 19 to learn how to design your very own Engagement Engine that fits your strengths and your schedule, and most importantly, produces the business you want.

Join us for our free Engagement Engine webinar on April 17. Register now at tentenths.co/register.We'll be walking you through the engagement framework you need - the spark that lights up agents' businesses and allows them to run at Ten Tenths. Stay top-of-mind, generate consistent referrals, and grow without burning out._______________Why do so many buyers and sellers feel stuck?They say they want to move. They say they're ready. But they won't decide.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Matt and Garrett unpack one of the most overlooked skills in real estate:The ability to ask better questions.Most agents rush to present solutions. But solutions have no value unless they're connected to a clearly defined problem.If you have clients who are hesitating, stalling, needing to "think about it", or keep circling the same decision, the issue is likely not motivation! It's clarity.In this episode, we break down:• Why solutions without awareness fall flat• The difference between asking “why” and uncovering a real prompt• How to explore what's not working in a client's current situation• Why understanding what they've already tried matters• How defining the ideal outcome changes everything• And how slowing down actually helps you close fasterWhen awareness increases, decisions follow.If you want to stop presenting and start guiding…If you want clients who trust you deeply instead of second-guessing every move…This episode is for you.

For full enjoyment, we highly recommend watching this one on YouTube.Just trust us. (You can find it here.)For this very special April Fool's episode, the legendary (in select circles), wildly successful, deeply inspirational Brandon Bafooney joins us to share his “wisdom.”You won't want to miss his:• ABC rule• PHORDW relationship-building device• Special buyer “motivation” tactics• Updated yard sign strategy• Affirmations straight from the coccyx• And rapid-fire questions guaranteed to build “rapport” fastUnder the humor, there's actually a serious reminder:Not every strategy builds relationships.Not every script creates trust.Enjoy the laughs.Happy April Fool's.

What happens when you let AI price your home?In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett and Matt decided to run a real-world experiment. They each asked AI to:Analyze their homesSuggest a list priceAnd generate an offer strategy from the buyer sideThe results? Jump into the conversation... We unpack:How AI analyzes real estate pricingWhy buyer and seller bias still shows up in the dataWhere AVMs fall short (especially on unique properties)How emotional fair market value actually gets createdWhy agents shouldn't fear AI — but must understand itAnd the real question: will consumers trust AI more than you?This isn't about whether AI is accurate today. It's about where this is heading.Buyers and sellers are already using these tools. The agents who understand how they work — and how to add value beyond them — will be the ones who win in the next decade.

Are you building relationships… or just staying in the friend zone?In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett and Matt unpack a subtle trap many real estate agents fall into — surface-level communication that never turns into real trust.You text. You respond. You stay in touch. But when it's time for referrals or business… you're not the first call.We get into:The difference between texting and true connectionWhy voice-to-voice or face-to-face changes everythingHow agents accidentally put clients in the friend zoneThe fluid nature of your database (and why that matters)Why ownership — not blame — builds stronger relationships How to look for “overlaps” that deepen connectionThis isn't about forcing phone calls. It's about understanding depth.If you want more referrals and stronger long-term relationships, this episode will challenge how you show up — and how you communicate.

Many real estate agents don't realize it, but they're essentially repeating their first year in real estate over and over again.Same (or similar income). Same inconsistent prospecting. Same “busy → slow → panic → restart” cycle.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett and Matt unpack why so many agents stay stuck operating like it's their first year — even after 5, 10, or 20 years in the business.We discuss:• Why real estate income can plateau for years• The “bronze handcuffs” trap (good enough, but not great)• How inconsistency keeps agents stuck in the same cycle• Why repetition without practice doesn't create mastery• The difference between being busy and actually improving• How to build systems that create long-term growth• And how to define success beyond just higher incomeIf you're a real estate agent wondering why your business isn't growing — or why every year feels similar — this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach.Growth doesn't happen accidentally. It happens intentionally.

What happens when you implement a “strategy” meant to build relationships… but it starts feeling mechanical, scripted — or worse, manipulative?In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett and Matt unpack the subtle but critical difference between asking great questions and “Fording” people.This conversation started with a phone call that felt off. All the right questions were asked — but none of it felt genuine.Inside the episode, we talk about:Why scripted curiosity can quietly backfireThe difference between commonality and forced connectionHow to anchor conversations in what's real and presentWhen professional calls are powerful (and when they're awkward)Why real estate is always there — you don't have to chase itAnd how genuine care unlocks referrals you simply can't manufactureYou can ask the right questions in the wrong way.And people can feel the difference.If you're building a relationship-based business, this episode will challenge how you show up on your next client call — and help you make sure your systems feel human.

At some point in your business, you hit the same frustrating loop:“I don't have the money to invest.”“I don't have the time to do it myself.”Back and forth.Time. Money.Money. Time.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett and Matt unpack what we call the very frustrating place of the “gray area” — that pivotal moment where growth requires a step up… but comfort, fear, or lack of clarity keeps you stuck.We talk about:Why many agents plateau instead of growHow hiring (assistants, transaction coordinators, marketing support) actually creates leverageWhy auditing both your time and your money changes everythingThe real reason delegation feels so hardHow clarity about where you're going makes decisions easierAnd why owning your choice matters more than making the “perfect” oneWhether it's investing in postcards, hiring your first assistant, outsourcing photography, or simply auditing where your time actually goes — this episode will challenge you to look at the trade-offs you're making right now.Because growth doesn't happen in comfort.It happens in the gray area.

Want to watch this episode? See the livestream on our YouTube channel here.The topics we cover on this first LIVE episode is: Man uses ChatGPT to sell his Cooper City home: ‘It exceeded our expectations'Read the article about it here.Watch the interview with the seller here.If you find value out of this episode (or any of them) share it out! Take a screen shot and post it to your instagram stories, tagging us @lifeatentenths.Learn more about our community by visiting our website at tentenths.co and downloading our app! Just search Life At Ten Tenths on your app store.

Like it or not, artificial intelligence is changing the way consumers buy and sell real estate — and not always in helpful ways.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Garrett and Matt unpack a real-time situation where a seller pulled a home off the market and relisted it $100,000 higher… after asking ChatGPT what it thought the home was worth. No joke.Agents in today's marketplace need to understand how AI tools actually work — and just as importantly, how to have smart conversations about them with clients.AI is here to stay. The key isn't fighting it — it's learning how to put it on your team.We get into:How prompting AI can unintentionally create biased pricing adviceWhy off-market estimates are far less reliable than most consumers assumeThe danger of anchoring to perceived “expert” opinions without contextHow emotion — not algorithms — ultimately drives real estate valueAnd how agents can proactively educate clients about using AI responsiblyIn a world where buyers and sellers can ask ChatGPT anything, the agents who understand how these tools actually function will be the ones who build trust, prevent costly mistakes, and guide better decisions.

Most people live in one of two places: the past… or the future.We replay old stories. We worry about what might happen. We write plans about who we're going to become.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Matt and Garrett unpack a simple truth - the only thing that actually shapes your future… is what you do right now.Inspired by a powerful concept from The Courage to Be Disliked, this conversation explores how anxiety often comes from living in the future, regret comes from living in the past, and fulfillment comes from being fully present.We'll dig into:Why the past and future are just storiesHow presence reduces anxiety and increases clarityThe connection between gratitude and being grounded in the momentWhy powerful life memories are created through attentionHow showing up fully today transforms both relationships and businessThis episode is personal. It's practical. And it's a reminder that the spotlight is always on the here and now.If you want a different future, don't wait for it. Build it in this moment.

Are you building a life that feels full or just one that looks busy?In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Matt and Garrett unpack the famous parable of the Mexican fisherman—and what it reveals about success, fulfillment, and the trap of constantly chasing “more.”More deals. More income. More growth. More recognition.But what if “more” isn't actually the goal?This conversation explores the difference between being busy and being aligned. Between building something impressive and building something meaningful. Between following society's version of success and defining your own.You'll hear reflections on:The hidden cost of chasing “more”What it means to have a “full” life—not just a productive oneHow alignment impacts fulfillment in businessThe hedgehog concept: passion, excellence, and economic engineWhy perspective matters when defining successWhether you're pushing hard in a growth season or stepping back to evaluate what you're really building, this episode is an invitation to pause and ask a deeper question:Are you building what you actually want?

Are you spending your time chasing new leads while overlooking some of the strongest referral opportunities sitting right under your nose?In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Matt and Garrett explore one of the most underutilized sources of referral business: past clients who no longer live in your market.This conversation reframes referrals not as something you have to hunt down, but as something that naturally grows out of staying connected, being thoughtful, and playing the long game with relationships.Rather than adding more to your plate, this episode focuses on doing a few simple things well—checking in, staying present, and positioning yourself as a connector people trust, no matter where they live.We get into:Why clients who move away often become your best referral sourcesHow staying connected expands your reach beyond your local marketThe difference between chasing transactions and building relationship equityWhy being a connector creates more opportunity than constant prospectingHow small, consistent touchpoints lead to long-term resultsThis episode is for agents who want to grow their business without more hustle—by leaning into relationships they already have and trusting the long-term impact of staying genuinely connected.

Great real estate agents help clients see the bigger picture.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Matt and Garrett are joined by special guest Kim Costa for a thoughtful conversation about what it truly means to level up as a trusted advisor—and how helping clients find home alignment leads to better decisions, stronger relationships, and fewer regrets down the road.Drawing from Kim's experience working closely with clients at major life transition points, this conversation reframes the agent's role from transactional guide to thoughtful partner. Together, they explore how lifestyle, season of life, values, and long-term vision all play a role in whether a home genuinely supports the people living in it.Rather than rushing to solutions, this episode highlights the importance of asking better questions, slowing the process down when needed, and helping clients gain clarity before making one of the biggest decisions of their lives.In this episode, we discuss:What it means to operate as a true trusted advisorWhy alignment matters more than features or finishesHow misalignment leads to regret—even in “great” homesThe questions that help clients think more clearly about their next moveHow agents can elevate their value by guiding life-first decisionsWhy trust grows when agents prioritize clarity over speedThis episode is for agents who want to move beyond transactions and build deeper, more meaningful relationships—while helping clients choose homes that genuinely support the way they want to live.

Buyer broker agreements have become one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—parts of real estate right now.But beneath the noise, headlines, and fear-driven conversations is a much simpler truth: these agreements aren't about enforcement or conflict. They're about professional standards, clarity, and alignment.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Matt and Garrett break down the real reason buyer broker agreements matter—and why they ultimately make relationships better for agents and clients. This conversation reframes agreements not as a hurdle to overcome, but as a foundation that helps everyone show up more clearly and confidently.Rather than focusing on worst-case scenarios, this episode looks at the often-overlooked value behind the agreement: brokerage support, managing broker leadership, risk mitigation, expectations, and what it means to operate as a true professional.In this episode, we discuss:Why buyer broker agreements are about standards, not pressureThe role of clarity in building trust with buyersWhat brokerages and managing brokers actually provide behind the scenesHow agreements protect relationships, not just transactionsWhy clear expectations lead to better outcomes for everyoneHow to talk about buyer agreements with confidence and alignmentThis episode is for agents who want to raise the bar, communicate their value clearly, and operate with professionalism—without fear or defensiveness.

New goals, new year, the next phase...doesn't automatically create new results.It feels good; I mean who doesn't love a new planner and a clean slate? But without real change, they often lead right back to the same patterns, the same habits, and the same outcomes.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Matt and Garrett break down why you don't need a fresh start, you need new standards, clearer awareness, and a willingness to act differently than you have before.This conversation moves past motivation and into something far more practical: understanding why last year unfolded the way it did, and what actually has to change for the next one to look different.In this episode, we discuss:Why fresh starts often fail without identity changeThe difference between setting goals and changing standardsHow repeating the same behaviors recreates the same yearWhy awareness matters more than motivationHow to use past results as data—not judgmentWhat it really takes to create lasting changeThis episode isn't about starting over.It's about breaking the cycle.

Want to watch this episode? See the livestream on our YouTube channel here.Topics we cover on this first LIVE episode are:Washington State Senate Bill 6091: Prohibiting real estate brokers from marketing residential properties to an exclusive group of prospective buyers or real estate brokers. View the bill for yourself here.January home sales TANK more than 8%! What is behind this headline and how do we navigate news like this? Read the CNBC article here.If you find value out of this episode (or any of them) share it out! Take a screen shot and post it to your instagram stories, tagging us @lifeatentenths.Learn more about our community by visiting our website at tentenths.co and downloading our app! Just search Life At Ten Tenths on your app store.

No one plans for chaos—but it is inevitable - it is just a matter of when it shows up.Unexpected health issues. Family emergencies. Disruptions from extreme weather.We have all experienced it; your time, energy, and focus suddenly get pulled in directions you didn't anticipate.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Matt and Garrett share a candid, personal conversation about what it really looks like to run a business when life goes sideways—and why a well-built plan isn't a constraint, it's a lifeboat.This episode isn't about pushing harder or pretending everything is fine. It's about why minimum standards, clear priorities, and relationship-based businesses create stability when control disappears—and how grace and structure can coexist.In this episode, we talk about:Why chaos doesn't mean your plan failedHow minimum standards keep you grounded in hard seasonsWhat truly needs to stay non-negotiable—and what can pauseWhy planning is most valuable when things fall apartHow strong relationships create flexibility and supportGiving yourself grace without abandoning momentumThis conversation is a reminder that the right plan doesn't trap you—it supports you. When life demands your attention, having a foundation in place allows you to step away, take care of what matters most, and return with clarity and confidence.

Recorded live in Charlotte, this episode of Life at Ten Tenths captures the kind of energy that only happens in the room.Matt and Garrett were honored to be invited by Dickens Mitchener for a live conversation centered on authenticity, relationships, gratitude, and long-term success in real estate. From the moment we walked in, the warmth, professionalism, and people-first culture were unmistakable—and it shaped everything that followed.In a world filled with trends, tactics, and constant noise, this episode is a reminder that relationships still win. Not because they're flashy—but because they're durable. You'll hear honest answers to real questions about focus, mindset, collaboration, and what actually builds trust with clients and within a team.In this episode, we talk about:Why relationships outperform tactics over timeAuthenticity vs chasing algorithms and trendsHow gratitude and energy shape culture and leadershipWhat new and experienced agents should focus on right nowWhy collaboration beats comparisonThe traits that create sustainable, referral-based businessesA HUGE thank you to Dickens Mitchener for welcoming us so generously, inviting us into your space, and sharing your incredible energy with us. Being in the room with this group was a powerful reminder of what's possible when culture, care, and professionalism come first.If you're building a business rooted in trust, connection, and long-term thinking, this conversation will resonate.

Two people can work in the same market, see the same data, and experience completely different results.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Matt and Garrett explore the powerful role perspective plays in business, life, and decision-making. Using a simple but unforgettable analogy from The Courage to Be Disliked, they unpack how ownership, mindset, and language quietly shape what we experience.This conversation challenges the habit of blaming external forces and invites a more empowering question: How am I approaching the environment in front of me?In this episode, we discuss:Why the same market produces different results for different peopleHow perspective influences energy, confidence, and actionThe danger of giving power to external circumstancesWhy ownership creates clarity and momentumHow gratitude and self-awareness change what you see—and what you act onThis episode isn't about pretending things are easy. It's about recognizing what's constant, understanding what's subjective, and choosing an approach that actually serves you.

There's a lot of noise in real estate right now.Headlines about agent counts. Statistics shared without context.Conversations designed to spark fear instead of clarity.In this episode of Life at Ten Tenths, Matt and Garrett break down why most realtors aren't actually your competition—and why believing otherwise can quietly drain your energy, focus, and confidence.This conversation looks at the widely discussed statistics circulating in the industry and reframes them through the lens of how consumers actually behave. Instead of competing with “everyone,” most agents are building businesses in entirely different lanes, serving different people, at different stages of trust.In this episode, we discuss:Why headline statistics often miss the real storyWho agents are truly competing against—and who they're notHow consumers actually choose who to work withWhy comparison pulls agents off their own pathWhere attention and energy create the greatest returnThis episode isn't about ignoring reality. It's about seeing it clearly—and choosing to focus on the work that actually builds a sustainable, referral-based business.