The Big Agent Meeting for July 11, 2025, delivered a full lineup of insights, updates, and training opportunities for agents across the country. From market performance to new tools, referral systems, and agent success stories, this week’s session focused heavily on growth and practical implementation. It also highlighted why real estate referral strategies remain one of the strongest ways to scale a business without increasing advertising costs.
Below is a complete breakdown of everything covered and how it connects to the systems that help agents build referral-driven businesses.
Market Minute: Why Local Data Matters for Referral Growth
Russ opened the meeting by addressing a common challenge among agents. Many base their expectations on headlines instead of real MLS data. When one agent expressed concern about a possible market decline, Russ walked him through a ten-year review of sales in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
What the MLS Data Revealed
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Ten-year average annual sales: 5,837
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Year-to-date trajectory for 2025: 5,322
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Current sales volume is below the long-term average
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Market conditions are not collapsing but simply running slightly under normal levels
How This Helps Your Referral Business
Accurate market knowledge builds trust. When an agent can clearly explain what is happening locally, they become the go-to resource for:
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Buyers and sellers
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Referral partners
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Other agents in the market
This directly supports stronger real estate referral strategies, since agents prefer sending clients to professionals who demonstrate clarity and confidence.
Referral Systems Spotlight: Building Six-Figure Outbound Referrals
Ian Wheatley from KGCI Radio shared powerful insights about creating a referral-based business that generates steady mailbox money. Many agents feel too busy to build referral systems, yet the real obstacle is usually a lack of structure.
The meeting highlighted insights from eXp Realty’s Ellie Garcett, who built a six-figure outbound referral business using consistent systems and tracking.
Key Ideas from the Referral Segment
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Outbound referrals can become a predictable income stream
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Inbound referrals require relationship building, prompt communication, and regular updates
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Tracking referral partners helps agents identify their strongest geographic connections
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Consistency creates reliability, and reliability builds long-term referral volume
For agents exploring growth opportunities, reviewing how to join eXp Realty can help them access a larger referral network supported by modern tools.
Brokerage Brief: Lending Trends and Market Shifts
Holly Mabery delivered an update covering major changes affecting buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals.
Lending Highlights
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Purchase mortgage applications recently hit their highest point since 2023
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Rates hover around 6.77 percent and have been trending downward
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Crypto-based mortgage conversations are emerging, but remain limited to conventional loans
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The Vantage 4 credit score is gaining traction and may expand access to more buyers
According to HousingWire, mortgage application trends and rate shifts continue to influence buyer behavior nationwide.
Action Steps for Agents
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Call your preferred lender to confirm any new programs
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Follow up with inactive buyers from earlier in the year
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Review negotiation strategies, including seller credits and rate buy-downs
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Encourage buyers to refresh pre-approvals
These updates help agents refine their real estate referral strategies by offering more value-driven communication to their networks.
Agent Success Story: Jill Rufus and Her 147 Home Year
One of the most inspiring parts of this week’s meeting was the conversation between Leo Perea and top-producing agent Jill Rufus. Jill went from selling one home in her first year to selling 147 homes in a single year.
How She Achieved Exponential Growth
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She immersed herself in eXp University classes
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She invested in learning platforms
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She adopted Zillow’s lead strategies early
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She created new inventory by partnering with developers and builders
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She led with education and value
Her story reinforces a core truth. Real estate referral strategies grow fastest when agents consistently show up with solutions and expertise, which aligns with The 4 Pillars of eXp Realty that focus on education, support, collaboration, and sustainable business growth.
University Spotlight: Upcoming eXp Training Sessions
Alyssa Specht shared this week’s top eXp University trainings, designed to help agents scale faster and build stronger systems.
Monday
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James Brown teaches rent-to-own strategies for buyers with credit challenges.
Thursday
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Executive Master Class featuring eXp leadership sharing what is working right now.
Friday
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CLO Brian Ellington covers automation and operational systems to build a business that thrives.
Friday in The Lab
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Liz Brown shares how she scaled past 100 transactions using video marketing and agent accountability.
These sessions directly support real estate referral strategies by helping agents improve communication skills, leverage automation, and increase visibility, which are also core strengths of the eXp Wolf Pack community, known for its focus on collaboration and agent development.
Agent Advantage: Zenlist and the Power of Modern Tools
The Zenlist team introduced agents to a streamlined platform designed to save time and improve collaboration with clients. Zenlist helps agents reduce the back-and-forth between MLS systems and public search portals.
Zenlist Benefits
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Full MLS listings and details
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Private listing access from eXp’s exclusive network
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One app for messaging, showing coordination, and disclosure access
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Saves agents an average of ten hours each week
According to the National Association of Realtors, buyers want fast responses and clear communication, making tools like Zenlist valuable for referral retention.
Modern tools strengthen referral strategies because they help agents serve clients more efficiently and professionally.
The Future of Agent Success Starts with Referrals
This week’s Big Agent Meeting highlighted how market knowledge, consistent communication, and modern tools all contribute to stronger real estate referral strategies. By combining education, technology, and community support, agents are able to build reliable, scalable businesses that grow year after year.
If you are looking to elevate your systems, strengthen your referral network, or position yourself for long-term success, take advantage of the resources offered throughout the meeting and engage with the internal links provided. These tools and programs are designed to help every agent achieve sustainable growth.
Agents wanting to expand their business model should learn about eXp’s co-sponsorship structure.