Real Trends: Real Trending

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Rainy Hake Austin, President of The Agency. The Agency ranked 13 by volume and is also the fourth largest private independent brokerage according to the 2025 RealTrends Verified Top Brokerage rankings. Over the past five years, The Agency has grown to almost 100 offices across the US. Rainy dives into ethical leadership, the trend to move beyond the transaction, and how AI is reshaping operations by plugging them into staff efficiency tools. She also talks about mergers vs. organic growth and why articulating unique value is key in a competitive market. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: The agency has grown significantly, ranking 13th by volume. A people-first approach is central to their growth strategy. Maintaining a boutique feel is crucial as they scale. Agents are trained to articulate their unique value effectively. AI is used to enhance efficiency and customer experience. Related to this episode: The Agency