Above the line leadership with Dermot Buffini

This week on RealTrending, Tracey Velt chats with Dermot Buffini, CEO of Buffini & Company. Tracey and Dermot got the opportunity to sit down in person to record an episode at HousingWire’s The Gathering.

Dermot breaks down the challenges in today’s real estate leadership  — from agent productivity to market shifts — and shares how to stay focused on what really matters. He also talks about “above the line” thinking to help leaders prioritize outcomes over distractions, and offers strategies for embracing technology and staying rooted in core values and customer service.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• Starting a business is easy, but making it work is hard.
• Agent productivity is crucial for business success.
• Good markets do not create good habits; preparation is key.
• Embrace technology and AI as tools for growth.
• Distractions can derail focus; stay mission-driven.
• The harvest comes for those who endure the cold seasons.

Related to this episode:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠Dermot Buffini | Speakers Bureau⁠
• ⁠Dermot Buffini | LinkedIn⁠
• ⁠The Gathering 2026⁠
• ⁠⁠HousingWire | YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More info about HousingWire⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The RealTrending podcast features conversations with the brightest minds in real estate. Every Monday, brokerage leaders, top agents, team leaders, and industry experts join us to share their secrets to success, trends, and the lessons they’ve learned. Hosted by Tracey Velt and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.