Are you better off building your brand as a solo agent—or thriving within the structure of a real estate team?

In this episode of The Texas Real Estate & Finance Podcast, host Mike Mills sits down with @laurenkerschenrealtor
, Realtor and Team Lead at ARK Realty, to explore how agents can succeed in the 2026 housing market as technology, AI tools, and team models reshape the industry.

Lauren shares her journey from solo agent to team leader, breaking down:

Why freedom as a solo agent can lead to burnout
The truth about real estate commission splits
How AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are transforming daily workflows
What top agents are doing right now to prepare for the next market cycle
How to build momentum and consistency that compounds into success

Whether you're new to real estate or a seasoned agent looking to scale, this conversation will help you decide if it’s time to go solo or go team in 2026.

🔑 Timestamps

00:00 – Solo agent reality check
04:01 – Momentum over motivation
08:40 – Freedom vs structure
12:56 – The commission split myth
20:11 – Real lead sources that work
24:37 – Don’t save yourself into irrelevance
31:55 – Authenticity wins on social
55:05 – How Realtors use AI
1:02:44 – Why 2026 favors the focused

💡 Key Takeaways

Momentum beats motivation in the new market cycle.
AI tools are now essential teammates for Realtors.
Consistency and authenticity drive referrals faster than ads.
Teams accelerate learning and protect against burnout.
2026 housing recovery rewards agents who stayed consistent through 2025.

📍 Resources & Links

🎧 Podcast Website – Access past episodes: https://www.thetexasrealestateandfinancepodcast.com

🔗 Mike’s Linktree – Mortgage tools & resources: https://linktr.ee/mikemillsmortgage

Keywords

solo vs team Realtors, Texas housing market 2026, real estate team structure, AI tools for Realtors, Realtor marketing strategy, real estate commission splits, Realtor success tips, mortgage and housing trends, Texas real estate podcast, Mike Mills mortgage, consistency in real estate

Questions Answered

How can Texas Realtors prepare for the 2026 housing market?
What are the pros and cons of joining a real estate team?
How are AI tools transforming Realtor workflows?
What’s the best way to generate leads in Texas right now?
How can agents stay motivated when transactions slow down?