C
hris Heller, a real estate industry veteran with a storied past, shares his insights on success and the future of the business. As president of OJO/Movoto, he's still driven by an insatiable need to be productive. "When I work, I work," he says, "and when I play, I play." This mantra has served him well throughout his career.

    Heller's journey began in 1983, when he obtained his real estate license as a college sophomore. He quickly rose through the ranks at Keller Williams, launching the brand globally and eventually becoming CEO in 2015. Today, he's focused on OJO/Movoto, where he's leading the charge in home search and agent solutions.

    One of Heller's most notable achievements was launching KW Worldwide in 2008. With no prior experience in international franchising, he spent two years researching and cold-calling U.S. franchise brand offices abroad. This grassroots approach allowed him to understand how real estate operates globally and identify the right leaders to partner with.

    Interestingly, Heller discovered that real estate professionals outside the US often envy the industry's structure and cooperation within the MLS system. "In every country I visited," he notes, "they wished they had what we have – an MLS and cooperation between agents." This insight highlights the unique strengths of the U.S. market.

    Looking ahead to 2025, Heller is cautiously optimistic. While acknowledging that the past two years have been brutal, he believes the worst may be behind us. However, he cautions against complacency, emphasizing the importance of staying adaptable and focused on opportunities amidst chaos.

    For agents navigating the changing landscape, Heller offers three key takeaways:

    1. Operate with urgency: Focus on productivity and efficiency, as if every day were a countdown to a week-long vacation.

    2. Turn up the intensity: Practice, role-play, and refine your processes to stay ahead of the competition.

    3. Simply do more: Make that extra call, send an additional handwritten note, or follow up with one more lead – it's often the small actions that separate success from stagnation.

    Ultimately, Heller's message is one of resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. By embracing change and focusing on opportunities, agents can thrive in even the most challenging markets.