My eXp Realty journey started the way it does for most. . .

When I first got into real estate, I did what most new agents in small towns do, I joined a large, traditional brokerage in McCall, Idaho. It felt like the obvious move: a familiar name, a brick-and-mortar office, and friends who already worked there. The agents had been around forever, and the company had a solid reputation.

But within a few months, I realized the model was outdated. The system rewarded competition over collaboration. The culture leaned independent, and I found myself craving mentorship and fresh ideas. There was little talk of social media, zero focus on AI, and no conversation about creating multiple income streams.

After twenty years as an entrepreneur, building a software company in the wine industry and managing short-term rentals, I knew there had to be a better way. A business built on modern marketing, technology, and teamwork.

That’s when I found eXp Realty and the Powerhouse community, and everything changed.

1. Collaboration Over Competition

My first introduction to Powerhouse, a community of mostly women within eXp Realty, came through what they call a “Try-On” event. Powerhouse try-on is month long invitation to the Powerhouse Community. From access to a private Facebook group to weekly calls where agents from around the country share their systems, wins, and lessons learned.

Within minutes, I was blown away. These women weren’t protecting “trade secrets” or competing for attention, they were collaborating. Every question was answered. Every strategy was shared.

That’s when it clicked: the eXp Realty model is designed for collaboration.

Because agents can earn residual income by building their downline and helping others grow, there’s no reason to hoard knowledge. When the people around you succeed, you succeed too. That simple structural shift fosters an environment where generosity and mentorship are part of the business model, not just empty buzzwords.

At eXp, success isn’t a zero-sum game. Collaboration is how we all win.

2. Modern Technology & Social Media Marketing

In most traditional brokerages, “marketing training” still looks like cold calling expired listings, writing notes to your family and friends, and door-knocking neighborhoods, strategies that worked in 1990 but don’t resonate today (at least with me).

At eXp Realty and within Powerhouse, the conversation looks completely different. We focus on attraction marketing and use tools like AI automation and social media storytelling, which help agents attract clients instead of chasing them.

I’ve built my business using tools that allow me to create powerful digital content, automate repetitive tasks, and generate inbound leads through authentic online presence.

AI helps me write listings faster, analyze market trends instantly, and craft marketing strategies that resonate with my ideal clients. Social media helps me build real relationships and trust before we ever meet.

This isn’t about keeping up with the times, it’s about staying ahead of them. At eXp, you’re surrounded by agents who innovate daily, test new ideas, and actually share what’s working. That’s the new playbook for real estate success.

3. Multiple Streams of Income

Here’s something most brokerages won’t tell you: relying 100% on commissions is risky.

At eXp Realty, agents have multiple income streams built right into the model, from revenue share (earned by helping other agents join the company) to stock ownership (so you literally own a piece of the brokerage you help grow).

Inside Powerhouse, this is a major focus. We talk openly about building diversified income, from STR ownership and digital products to affiliate partnerships and coaching offers. It’s a mindset shift from “how many closings can I do this month?” to “how can I create sustainable income that supports my lifestyle?”

This approach gives agents freedom, not just financial freedom, but creative and time freedom. Because real estate shouldn’t be something that consumes your life; it should be something that funds it.

4. The Freedom of a Cloud Brokerage

Before joining eXp Realty, I thought success meant having a desk in an office. What I didn’t realize was that those four walls were limiting me, financially and creatively.

At eXp, there’s no desk fee, no office politics, and no commute. It’s a cloud-based brokerage, which means you can work from anywhere – your home, your favorite coffee shop, or a cabin in McCall with a mountain view.

Training, mentorship, and collaboration all happen online, and because of that, you’re connected to the best agents in the world, not just the ones in your zip code. It’s freedom, flexibility, and scalability all in one.

This model doesn’t just make sense, it’s the future of real estate.

Collaboration That Compounds

Today, I’m part of a growing network of Powerhouse agents – mostly women, moms, and multi-passionate entrepreneurs (my people), who meet weekly to share what’s working and help each other scale smarter.

When challenges pop up, I have hundreds of agents I can call for advice. When they need help with marketing or AI, I get to share what I’ve learned. The collaboration inside Powerhouse and eXp Realty gives me confidence, clarity, and speed.

Because when you surround yourself with generous, innovative people, you don’t just grow your business, you grow your impact.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to build your real estate business with people who genuinely want to see you win, I’d love to show you what’s possible inside Powerhouse at eXp Realty.

Because collaboration doesn’t just change your business.
It changes your life.

If you want to know more, check out the video on this page and write down any questions you have. Then let’s chat!

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I’m Ragan Erickson, Realtor®, marketer, and entrepreneur with eXp Realty, and part of Powerhouse, a community of 600+ who believe in collaboration over competition.

After building and selling a tech company in the wine industry, I brought that same business mindset to real estate, using social media, modern marketing, and AI to grow a brand that attracts clients and opportunity.

Now, I help other agents do the same: build scalable businesses, attract dream clients, and create freedom through multiple income streams, from real estate sales to revenue share.

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