🏗️ The real estate industry is shifting fast — from major brokerage mergers to emerging technologies reshaping how agents work. On this week’s KGCI Real Estate On Air Live, host Ian Wheatley sits down with Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, to break down what agents need to know about industry consolidation, culture, and the AI revolution already transforming the marketplace.

From the Compass/Anywhere merger to global MLS differences and eXp’s debt-free growth model, Leo shares a clear-eyed look at where the business is headed — and how agents can adapt, stay relevant, and lead through change.

What You’ll Learn 📌

🔹 [01:13] The Truth Behind Industry Consolidation – What the Compass/Anywhere merger signals about brokerage models and why U.S. agents still have unique advantages.
🔹 [02:49] The Power of the MLS System – How the U.S. market’s transparency and data accessibility create a liquid real estate market that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.
🔹 [05:07] Growth Without Debt – How eXp Realty’s agent-centric, organically scaled model differs from the debt-fueled acquisitions shaping its competitors.
🔹 [07:30] Leading Through Change – Why leaders must accept market shifts quickly, adapt within 24 hours, and move forward with purpose.
🔹 [10:24] The Future of Tech and AI in Real Estate – Why Leo says we’re still in the “Napster and MySpace” era of AI — and what agents can do to stay curious and ahead of the curve.

Episode Breakdown ⏳

⏳ 00:00 - 00:28 | Live from eXp Con – Ian Wheatley welcomes eXp CEO Leo Pareja from Miami Beach Convention Center
🎙 00:28 - 08:05 | Industry Consolidation Deep Dive – The Compass/Anywhere merger, MLS advantages, and the evolution of U.S. real estate systems
💡 08:05 - 10:24 | Leadership Lessons – Building culture, finding your “tribe,” and leading through uncertainty
🤖 10:24 - 11:29 | AI, Tech & the Next Era of Growth – Why we’re still early in AI adoption and how agents can experiment, learn, and win

🚀 Adapt Fast. Lead Bold. Stay Curious.

Leo Pareja reminds us that while change is inevitable, opportunity belongs to those who move first. From embracing technology to building agent-first cultures, this episode is a must-listen for any real estate professional looking to future-proof their business in 2025 and beyond.

📲 Listen On-Demand: Stream now on the KGCI mobile app or your favorite podcast platform.
📆 Don’t Miss Friday Focus: We’re breaking down the Future of Listings — AI video, virtual staging, and the tools every top agent is using.
💬 Question for Leo? Drop it on our Instagram or Facebook — your question might make the next show!