"The more relationships you nurture, the more resilient your business becomes—no matter how the market shifts."

- Sheryl Huock

Episode Summary

Let’s break something down that too many agents are ignoring.

In a world where “instant offers” and flashy apps promise to sell homes with one click, it’s easy to think real estate agents are being pushed out. But if you ask Cheryl Hauck—an investor-friendly agent and co-founder of A to D Investor Solutions—you’ll hear something completely different.

On a recent episode of the No Broke Months for Real Estate Agents podcast, Cheryl and I dug into a topic that matters more than ever: how to leverage iBuyers and power buyers without letting them replace your role in the transaction.

Sphere First. Always.

Before diving into iBuyers and tech tools, Cheryl reminds us of a truth every agent should tattoo on their mindset: 86% of business comes from your sphere of influence. That’s your gold mine. That’s where your relationships live. And that’s where trust is built—the one thing technology can’t replace.

The agents who consistently follow up with their database, build relationships, and offer real value are the ones who stay relevant no matter how the market evolves.

Understand iBuyers—Then Lead the Conversation

iBuyers like OpenDoor and Offerpad have been around in markets like Tampa Bay since 2012. Sellers are seeing ads every day promising no showings, fast closings, and savings on commission.

But here’s the kicker: those “savings” often come with service fees of up to 15%—that’s triple what agents typically charge.

This is where your value as an agent skyrockets.

Most sellers don’t understand the fine print. Only 2% of sellers who engage with iBuyers actually close with them. The other 98%? They still need someone to guide them—and that someone can be you.

EXP Realty’s Express Offers platform gives agents a way to present multiple vetted investor-backed cash offers to their sellers. The result? You stay at the center of the transaction, in control, trusted, and indispensable.

What About Power Buyers?

Power buyers (who offer tools like guaranteed closings or buy-before-you-sell options) took up to 25% of the market in places like Atlanta during Q1. That dropped to 10% in Q3 as interest rates shifted, but the impact is still felt.

They’re not your competition—they’re your opportunity.

If you know how to present these tools, you’re not just selling homes. You’re offering confidence, solutions, and flexibility your clients can’t find on their own.

The Market Is Changing—But It’s Not 2008

This isn’t a crash. Most sellers have equity today. That means agents can help homeowners tap into their equity to avoid foreclosures before they happen.

And that’s another key takeaway from Cheryl’s journey: the 2008 downturn taught her the importance of passive income, smart money habits, and not relying solely on closings to keep your business alive.

AI Is Here, But So Are You

Big data, artificial intelligence, and tech tools aren’t going away. They’re giving you new ways to understand buyers, predict trends, and offer smarter advice. But that doesn’t mean you step aside.

It means you lead with relationships, then support with tech.

Final Thought

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by change in the market, don’t run from it. Learn it. Master it. And most importantly—stay human.

Because iBuyers might offer speed, but they can’t replace trust. Power buyers might offer tools, but they don’t know your clients like you do. And AI might predict behavior, but it can’t sit at a kitchen table and help a family make the biggest decision of their life.

Keep showing up. Keep adding value. Keep being you.

Do you doubt yourself? 

If yes, then I invite you to borrow our belief. You are unstoppable, and with CPI, you will achieve your goals!

You just need to find YOUR Way. 

I wrote Real Estate Evolution - The Ten Step Guide to Consistent and Predictable Income to help you discover YOUR Way and offer it as a gift for free. 

The book is a step-by-step manual that will guide you to understand how I have had No Broke Months (with an average of 10 monthly sales) since 2008 - and it will show you how you can do the same moving forward.

You can Claim Your Copy HERE.

Imagine that you are successful as an agent in six months, have figured out how to do the business and have monthly closings, and are reaching your potential, which means you will have the courage to stick to selling and make more money. 

Others will admire and value you. 

And don’t forget to join the Facebook group to network with the top agents:

https://www.facebook.com/TheCPICommunity