REALM Congratulates Member Monica Monson on Strategic Growth of The Noble Agency
“We are thrilled to celebrate Monica’s continued success and growth,” says Julie Faupel, founder of REALM. “Her strategic vision and dedication to elevating the...
“We are thrilled to celebrate Monica’s continued success and growth,” says Julie Faupel, founder of REALM. “Her strategic vision and dedication to elevating the...
In an exclusive event available only through REALM’s prestigious network, members are invited to join an extraordinary virtual open house featuring one of Puerto Rico’s most significant historical properties. World-renowned architect and historian Andy Rivera will lead an intimate tour of 66 Caleta de San Juan, a magnificent Spanish Colonial residence dating back to 1610, alongside elite brokers Guanina Cintron and Rodney Piñeiro of WOW Real Estate PR.
“Through REALM’s global network, we’re able to connect this extraordinary property with clients who truly appreciate its historical significance and investment potential,” shares Cintron. “Our members understand that properties of this caliber, especially those with such rich architectural heritage, represent more than just real estate—they’re a piece of Caribbean history.”
A Curated Experience for Discerning Advisors
“This isn’t just an open house—it’s a masterclass in Caribbean colonial architecture and luxury real estate,” notes Guanina Cintron of WOW Real Estate PR. “Through REALM’s exclusive platform, we’re offering members an unprecedented opportunity to explore this $2.775 million property through the eyes of one of Puerto Rico’s most respected architectural authorities.”
The live event will showcase this 3,290-square-foot residence’s unique position on Old San Juan’s first established street, connecting the historic Puerta de San Juan to the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. Andy Rivera will share insights into the property’s architectural significance and the meticulous renovation work that has preserved its historical integrity while incorporating modern luxuries.
Architectural Heritage Meets Modern Sophistication
During the tour, Rivera will highlight the San Juan’s exceptional features, including:
Exclusive REALM Review Access
This special presentation is available through REALM Review, the platform’s premium service connecting over 500 luxury real estate advisors worldwide. “REALM Review allows us to share exceptional global properties like this with a highly curated network of professionals who understand their clients’ pursuit of architectural excellence,” explains Rodney Piñeiro.
The virtual event will provide REALM members with:
Investment Opportunity Meets Historical Legacy
“Through REALM’s global network, we’re able to connect this extraordinary property with clients who truly appreciate its historical significance and investment potential,” shares Cintron. “Our members understand that properties of this caliber, especially those with such rich architectural heritage, represent more than just real estate—they’re a piece of Caribbean history.”
The property, offered at $2.775 million, presents a unique opportunity for REALM members’ clients seeking:
Exclusive Access for REALM Members
REALM Review continues to set the standard for luxury real estate networking, offering members unprecedented access to exceptional properties and expert insights. “This exclusive open house exemplifies REALM’s commitment to connecting the world’s most discerning real estate advisors with truly extraordinary properties,” notes Piñeiro.
Join the Experience
REALM members are invited to register for this exclusive virtual open house to explore whether this rare architectural gem could be their clients’ next masterpiece. The event promises to be an invaluable opportunity to gain insider knowledge of one of Old San Juan’s most significant residential offerings.
For registration details and additional information, REALM members can access the event portal through their exclusive platform access.
Could this historic Spanish Colonial mansion be the perfect addition to your client’s luxury property portfolio?
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The REALM Innovation Summit is about more than planning for the future—it’s about recommitting to the mission and values that unite us. Together, we will reaffirm our purpose, strengthen our community, and chart a course for continued innovation and growth.
This summit will bring together REALM members in person for an immersive retreat experience where we’ll collaborate, create, and chart the future of both REALM and the luxury real estate industry. Together, we will shape the next chapter of our community—one that reflects our shared vision, values, and passion for excellence.
Why the REALM Innovation Summit Matters
This is more than just an event—it’s a moment to come together as a community of innovators and leaders who are committed to elevating the standards of luxury real estate. Every voice at the summit will contribute to how we define and build the future of our network, our initiatives, our knowledge building, and deepen our relationships. Every idea will help shape how we continue to lead the industry forward.
Whether you’re an established member or newer to the REALM community, this summit is about connecting with your peers, learning from one another, and designing strategies that will empower both our members and the clients we serve.
A Collaborative Approach to Shaping the Future
Our agenda will focus on workshops, transformational leadership creating an open, interactive environment where we can collectively explore the ideas and strategies that will shape the next year of REALM, and bring into alignment a collective action plan that we will share throughout the year. Our work will include:
Join Us for the Leading Minds Call
As part of the summit, we will also be hosting a livestream of the Leading Minds Call, where top industry experts will share insights and spark discussions on the future of luxury real estate.
We’re excited to open the conversation for the industry to join us via livestream for this special session, taking place in real-time from the Innovation Summit.
Behind Closed Doors: The Untapped Potential of the Off-Market Listing Economy Live from the REALM Innovation Summit
Whether you’re an established member or exploring what it means to join REALM, this is an incredible opportunity to witness firsthand how our community collaborates and leads the future of the industry.
Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision
The REALM Innovation Summit is about more than planning for the future—it’s about recommitting to the mission and values that unite us. Together, we will reaffirm our purpose, strengthen our community, and chart a course for continued innovation and growth. We’re so excited to see what we can achieve when we come together, and we look forward to the meaningful ideas and connections that will emerge from Jackson Hole.
Stay tuned for more updates from the summit, and we invite you to follow along as we shape the future of REALM together.
Register here to join our livestream, and learn more about REALM®.
As a founding agent of Compass in Boca Raton, Buchbinder brings more than just local knowledge to the table – he offers a lifetime of experience. “I grew up in Boca Raton; it’s incredible to witness the transformation of my hometown, from where it was, to where it is now, and where it’s headed,” he shares with infectious enthusiasm.
“I thrive off the excitement and the day-to-day challenges of the job,” he says. “Bringing people together, building relationships, delivering on promises, and always striving to work smarter is what keeps me going.”
Buchbinder’s approach to real estate is refreshingly personal in an increasingly digital world. “I thrive off the excitement and the day-to-day challenges of the job,” he says. “Bringing people together, building relationships, delivering on promises, and always striving to work smarter is what keeps me going.”
His success is built on a foundation of clear communication and realistic goal-setting. “In this industry, I believe that clear communication and setting realistic goals and expectations is crucial,” Buchbinder notes. “I prioritize a transparent communication plan and establish weekly and monthly goals to ensure successful outcomes.”
As a member of REALM Global, Buchbinder is at the forefront of luxury real estate trends. His vision for the future is both optimistic and pragmatic. “I view real estate as an evolving process and staying top of mind is crucial. With the continuous advancements in AI and social media each year, genuine efforts become even more important,” he reflects.
What truly sets Buchbinder apart is his genuine love for both Boca Raton and the art of real estate. His work goes beyond mere transactions; it’s about actively shaping the future of his beloved hometown. “I feel privileged to play a part in shaping the future of this amazing city,” he says with pride.
Aaron Buchbinder’s story is one of local roots, global reach, and unwavering dedication. As he continues to make his mark on Boca Raton’s luxury real estate market, his enthusiasm, integrity, and deep community ties remain the driving forces behind his success.
Congratulations, Aaron.
Exclusive to our members: connect with top luxury agents of REALM® like Aaron at our monthly members-only virtual networking events, Member events, the REALM Global Collective event and more.
By Lillian Dickerson
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Executive Director of Innovation at REALM, where our mission is to foster meaningful connections and shared knowledge within the luxury real estate community and continue to grow REALM’s reputation as the trust mark for luxury real estate.”
– Laura Monroe
A Strategic Addition to REALM’s Leadership
Julie Faupel, CEO and founder of REALM, expressed her enthusiasm about Monroe’s appointment, stating, “With Laura Monroe joining the REALM leadership team, our members can look forward to even greater access to industry-leading insights, strategies, and connections that will help them continue to excel in their respective markets. Laura’s reputation for fostering collaboration and innovation within the real estate industry complements REALM’s brand-agnostic approach and commitment to elevating the standards of luxury real estate. Her ability to connect people, ideas, and resources will enrich the community, offering members fresh opportunities for growth and partnership.”
Monroe’s track record speaks for itself. As the former Global Head of Community at Inman, she played a pivotal role in expanding the digital presence of the brand and growing a robust global network of over 400,000 top agents, luxury brokers, executives, and industry thought leaders. Her success at Inman solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in community-building within the real estate sector.
Vision for the Future
In her new role at REALM, Monroe is set to drive innovation and enhance the exclusive member experience. “I am thrilled to take on the role of Executive Director of Innovation at REALM, where our mission is to foster meaningful connections and shared knowledge within the luxury real estate community and continue to grow REALM’s reputation as the trust mark for luxury real estate,” Monroe said. “I look forward to enhancing the exclusive member experiences and engagement, forging stronger industry and member relations, and elevating REALM members’ impact in the luxury market. I couldn’t be more aligned with the mission and the vision of REALM. Our focus on human connection and shared values will continue to set us apart as the premier network for real estate professionals committed to excellence.”
Exciting Innovations on the Horizon
Under Monroe’s leadership, REALM is set to introduce a series of new offerings in 2024, aimed at providing even greater value to its members. Among these innovations are:
These initiatives, launching in the fall of 2024, are designed to strengthen the network’s value proposition and support its members in maintaining their leadership positions within the luxury real estate industry.
A meticulously designed process.
A personalized discovery call.
A comprehensive engagement package.
A detailed buyer book.
On both the buy side and the sell side, Daniella’s team begins with a discovery call. While the standalone terminology may be somewhat commonplace in business these days, their approach is far more personal.
Unlock desire with Discovery Calls.
On both the buy side and the sell side, Daniella’s team begins with a discovery call. While the standalone terminology may be somewhat commonplace in business these days, their approach is far more personal. It’s important to understand the nuance of intent. For buyers, what is their experience and sense of place? Did you vacation on Hilton Head? Go to Savannah for a bachelorette party? As Daniella puts it “all these things matter because it tells us, what have you seen? What is your vision of this place? And what is it that you’re trying to achieve?”
The discovery call helps to unlock the desire that’s driving a buyer or seller. Simply put, “If we’re a good fit, we’ll know it by the end of this call.”
It’s not sexy, it’s an Engagement Package.
While small, this packs a big bunch. Daniella’s team presents an engagement package when a discovery call moves forward with an ecstatic ‘yes’. The engagement package is essentially a formal promise.
The execution of this is the “green light” inducting a new client.
Officially engaged to new clients, an internal team form and questionnaire is completed to outline the desires of the client. On the buy side especially, this dives into the nuts and bolts of the desire driving the buyer. For example, if a client wants to be near water, what type of water?
The Buyer’s Book
Daniella’s team offer a range of post-purchase services, from organizing move-in packages to hosting neighborhood cocktail parties. If there’s a question about something that her team do for a client, the answer is probably yes.
And in Daniella’s words, “So that’s it. That’s the basics.”
“Your clients are doing business with you because they trust you. That’s the core. And if you think you’re close to your clients, get closer.”
— Mark Mclaughlin
Recent lawsuits have painted a picture of an industry rife with collusion and unfair practices, prompting a reevaluation of how business is conducted. The news felt like big, bold, heavy ink slapped on the front page for the industry. Because of this, we brought together leading voices in the industry to share their perspective and thoughts, showcasing a way to respond rather than react.
Within a court settlement that initially felt turbulent, is instead creating an opportunity for growth and improvement; a chance for real estate professionals to redefine their value propositions and build stronger trust with their clients.
Top real estate leaders like Mauricio Umansky, Paul Benson, and Mark McLaughlin, with moderator Matt Faupel, stress the importance of education, transparency, and the elevation of professional standards. The emphasis is on not just adapting to new regulations but also proactively setting higher standards for the industry, ensuring that every transaction is conducted with integrity.
One of the key challenges identified is the need for more clarified buyer representation. Historically, the emphasis has often been on the listing side of transactions, as it speaks to paperwork and agreements, but moving forward, equal attention must be given to representing buyers. This shift will require agents to negotiate buyer-side fees and secure representation agreements more effectively.
“Wherever there is adversity, there’s opportunity. I think that what we’re dealing with right now as an industry really is an opportunity for us to make the industry better. ” — Mauricio Umansky
In the face of public skepticism, it is crucial for real estate professionals to articulate their value clearly and confidently. Paul Benson suggested that a concerted PR campaign could help reshape public perception and restore trust in the industry.
“I think this is an opportunity to tell our story because everyone else seems to be telling our story right now. And the story that’s being told isn’t the real story.” — Paul Benson
This transformation, though challenging, offers a chance to redefine the role of real estate professionals and enhance the services they provide. By focusing on demonstrating value, improving buyer representation, and engaging in transparent communication, the industry can build a foundation of trust and professionalism that will serve it well in the years to come.
As the panelists aptly put it, now is the time to lean in, adapt, and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
Within the past four years, Bridget has brought four people into the fold of her team. By expanding in this way, she has been able to own the lanes she excels at and master delegation. Take an insiders look at our one-on-one time with Bridget; and take notes on marketing amidst uncertainty, entrepreneurship, and scaling to new heights.
“If I can tell you one thing that you should be doing, it’s video. Not just the pretty picture video, but organically, authentically getting on camera and just sharing something about yourself that might be vulnerable, sharing about your market, sharing about what’s happening in your city.”
When you don’t know what’s going to happen in the market, how do you navigate it?
Whether it’s a paper mailer, email blasts direct to the inbox, or presence on social media, Bridget takes a full force approach with her marketing. In the midst of what some may have called a dip in the Austin market in 2022, Bridget ramped up her efforts. Rather than slowing down, it was at this time that she made the move to hire a full-time Operations Director and a full-time Marketing Director. She took this time to define her brand and prepare her business for the market to, inevitably, rev back up.
“I need to be spending money when other people are afraid to. I need to continue my marketing.”
What can be something that catapults you to the next level?
After experiencing three losses in her immediate family, Bridget describes the experience as one that would shift her focus towards her business in a whole new light. From a place of grief, and a funeral home family business, Bridget took all she’s come to know, and chose to make real estate her priority.
From there, with your own grit and determination, Bridget believes it can be one “rockstar client” to change the game for you. After the third loss, Bridget secured a $28 million dollar listing, representing a new level in her real estate career. The domino effect followed.
What’s in the marketing?
How authentically you operate in your business is something that clients will resonate with. In Bridget’s words, it’s important to be firm and fair in your negotiation and carry a deep respect for colleagues and clients alike.
That authenticity carries beyond Bridget’s client interactions, it’s also the person you see on social media. Whether showcasing a listing dressed to the nines or in a baseball cap and jeans, you’re getting Bridget.
“I have to be educated about my product and I’ve got to speak from the heart about why I think someone should by [the house]”
What is competition versus collaboration?
What sits close to Bridget’s heart is being competitive against herself, delivering what she’s promised to clients, and at the same time sharing her playbooks so she can see colleagues win. The competition is with yourself and the collaboration happens with everyone else.
When it comes to Bridget’s playbook on assets for her business, video is an integral part of her marketing strategy. Collaborating with a team based out of Miami, Bridget and her Marketing Director, Bella, deep dive into the product Bridget’s selling and prepare to produce content between 30 seconds and 22 minutes long to find success and reach across channels like Instagram and YouTube.
The power of video is when someone sees your content and sees you on video, they get to know you and they build trust and credibility with you.
In addition to competing with herself to scale her business, Bridget loves to work with Austin businesses, collaborating with seaplanes and jet boats to showcase other local entrepreneurs.
On a closing note, Bridget never leaves a story dead. At this time last year, Bridget was at 5,000 followers and today she’s growing at 16k. It’s not just about selling a home, it’s about selling Austin, and Bridget will do whatever it takes.
Where people choose to live is rarely ever a shotgun decision and Frederick would argue, where you live matters enormously.
Timing isn’t something, it’s everything
At this moment of your life, are you in the right place at the right time?
“We’re in the midst of the opportunity of a lifetime.”
At the intersection of increasing longevity and wellbeing is one’s place. Frederick makes a strong statement to kick-off his time with us — but, what, exactly is this opportunity of a lifetime? People today are expected to live significantly longer lives, with many projections suggesting that half of the children born in developed countries will live to 100 years or more. Let that land for a moment. In an era where people are living longer than ever before, the concept of place has taken on a new level of importance, especially in the second half of one’s life.
We have the opportunity to quite literally live longer. However, a longer lifespan does not guarantee a greater wealthspan or healthspan, both important components of longevity.
“Healthy longevity is earned.”
This is where the concept of “healthy longevity” comes into play. According to Frederick, healthy longevity is earned through our lifestyle choices and the environments we choose to call home. This idea challenges us to think beyond just our immediate surroundings and consider the broader community and environmental factors that influence our health. Our decisions account for 90% of our longevity; meaning that the DNA that you have is outweighed by the decisions you make in your day-to-day life. Hopefully, this statistic offers you confirmation of the agency that you have to live a long and well life.
Finding a sense of place is key to healthy longevity. Increasingly important, as modern living has quite frankly become busier, and a confluence of factors, including social media, are creating shifts in our social lives. In a world so connected, we come face to face with statistics showing the loneliest generation. Frederick equates chronic loneliness to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, having serious repercussions on one’s health.
Visit Ryan Frederick’s website here.
Where you decide to live will nudge you in the direction of healthy longevity… or the opposite is true. As Frederick puts it, “to live longer, change your environment.”
A myriad of elements beyond the four walls of a home create a place. Beyond the physical dwelling is the block you live on, the neighborhood you live in, the county and state lines of your residence, all the way to the country you’re in have an influence on your experience of a place.
Frederick touched on the concept of “place planning,” a proactive approach to selecting living environments that support long-term health and happiness. He argued that as people go through different life stages—from college to retirement—their needs and preferences change.
Both people and places change.
What sits close to Bridget’s heart is being competitive against herself, delivering what she’s promised to clients, and at the same time sharing her playbooks so she can see colleagues win. The competition is with yourself and the collaboration happens with everyone else.
When it comes to Bridget’s playbook on assets for her business, video is an integral part of her marketing strategy. Collaborating with a team based out of Miami, Bridget and her Marketing Director, Bella, deep dive into the product Bridget’s selling and prepare to produce content between 30 seconds and 22 minutes long to find success and reach across channels like Instagram and YouTube.
The power of video is when someone sees your content and sees you on video, they get to know you and they build trust and credibility with you.
In addition to competing with herself to scale her business, Bridget loves to work with Austin businesses, collaborating with seaplanes and jet boats to showcase other local entrepreneurs.
On a closing note, Bridget never leaves a story dead. At this time last year, Bridget was at 5,000 followers and today she’s growing at 16k. It’s not just about selling a home, it’s about selling Austin, and Bridget will do whatever it takes.
Timing isn’t something, it’s everything.
At this moment of your life, are you in the right place at the right time?
Visit Ryan Frederick’s website here.