“You're Marrying the House, You're Dating the Rate”

Batu Cet, CEO of Industry Rockstar Services, Talks with Jerry Tenenbaum, Broker, Owner & CEO of Top Nest Properties In this episode of the Industry Rockstar Services Podcast, Batu Cet sits down with Jerry Tenenbaum for a wide-ranging conversation about real estate, business growth, leadership, technology, AI, teamwork, investing, and finding the right balance between business and life. Jerry shares the story behind Top Nest Properties, his decision to join the RE/MAX network while maintaining the identity and culture he built, and why choosing the right business partner is about much more than simply choosing a bigger name. The conversation goes deeper into Jerry’s approach to leadership and his commitment to his agents. From commission structures and team-based selling to training new agents and creating opportunities for younger professionals, Jerry explains why he believes a successful business should help the people within it succeed. Batu and Jerry also discuss how AI and technology are changing real estate, why businesses need to adapt rather than resist new technology, and how Jerry is preparing the next generation of agents for the future. They also explore Jerry’s unique team approach to selling properties, his strategies for pricing and marketing homes, the changing real estate market, the 2008 housing crisis, mortgage rates, and advice for future homebuyers. The conversation eventually moves beyond business into wealth building, investing, family, retirement, purpose, gratitude, and the importance of showing up every day. A candid and energetic conversation filled with real-world business experience, practical insights, and plenty of personal perspective. Chapters 0:00 Introduction – Meet Jerry Tenenbaum 0:39 From Top Nest to RE/MAX – Why Jerry Made the Move 2:18 Keeping the Top Nest Brand While Going Global 3:18 RE/MAX, Technology & the Future of Real Estate 4:30 AI & How It Will Change Real Estate 6:02 Building a Strong Team Culture 7:03 Agent Loyalty & Commission Structure 8:56 The Benefits of Joining RE/MAX 10:04 Training & Investing in Agents 11:11 Why Businesses Must Adapt to AI 11:46 Recruiting Younger Agents & Embracing Technology 13:14 Jerry's Journey Through Business & Real Estate 14:27 Coaching & Training the Next Generation 16:47 Commission Splits & Putting Agents First 19:19 Treating Real Estate Like a Business 20:23 The Team Approach to Selling Properties 22:29 Paying Agents for Their Work 24:07 The 22-Day Selling Strategy 26:06 Pricing Properties & Why Jerry Doesn't Rely on Zillow 27:37 How the Team Concept Was Created 28:18 Stop Talking About Yourself – Focus on the Client 29:18 Helping New Agents Get Their First Listings 31:40 How the Real Estate Market Has Changed 36:18 The Housing Crisis & Could 2008 Happen Again? 39:32 Mortgage Rates, Credit & Buying a Home 42:03 Investing & Building Wealth for the Future 44:30 Saving, Spending & Making Better Financial Decisions 44:39 Jerry's 5–10 Year Vision 45:16 Growing Top Nest to 100 Agents 45:49 Real Estate, Construction & Future Plans 46:09 Retirement, Family & Making Time for Life 46:35 Living With Purpose, Passion & Gratitude 47:00 “Start Every Day at Zero” – The Business Mindset 49:26 Jerry's Final Advice – Show Up, Stay Motivated & Be Grateful 50:06 Closing – Industry Rockstar Services Podcast About the Industry Rockstar Services Podcast The Industry Rockstar Services Podcast, hosted by Batu Cet, CEO of Industry Rockstar Services, brings together CEOs, entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry leaders for honest conversations about business, growth, technology, leadership, and life. Watch the full conversation, like the video, and subscribe to the Industry Rockstar Services YouTube Podcast Channel. Contact Us: clientservices@industryrockstarservices.com #RealEstate #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast