Episode 264 - Bob Tompkins

Satire Earns Bob Tompkins Half His Referrals

On the Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered podcast, hosted by James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson, Bob Tompkins explained how video transformed his real estate business.

Bob began creating videos in 2019, including music parodies such as “Old Town Realtor.” One video reached approximately two million views and connected him with agents across the country.

Those connections became a significant source of business. Bob shared that roughly half of his business came from agent-to-agent referrals, demonstrating how entertaining content can create valuable relationships throughout the real estate industry.

Bob eventually hired a full-time videographer, TJ Darpino, and built a creative process around comedy sketches, local content, and agent-focused marketing. His experience shows that real estate technology is not limited to transaction platforms and digital forms. It can also help a real estate agent become visible, memorable, and trusted before a prospect ever makes contact.

Creativity Requires Repetition

One of Bob’s most valuable lessons involves consistency. He and TJ spend five or six hours each week developing ideas. That discipline produces two sketches weekly and has resulted in more than 250 videos.

Many agents struggle to decide what to post. Bob believes creativity is a muscle that strengthens through repetition. Whether an agent creates videos about real estate listings, local businesses, real estate prices, or real estate trends, consistent practice leads to better content.

Bob also emphasizes passion. Comedy works for him because he genuinely enjoys it. Another real estate broker might prefer explaining real estate financing, discussing real estate taxes, reviewing real estate laws, or highlighting homes that are real estate for sale. The strongest content often comes from subjects that naturally create enthusiasm.

Humor Can Create Conversation

Bob uses satire to address topics affecting agents, including brokerage practices and industry changes. Some videos generate criticism, but Bob views comments as opportunities to increase engagement and continue the conversation.

That approach may not suit every real estate brokerage, real estate franchise, or real estate company. However, Bob’s strategy demonstrates the value of having a distinct voice. Average content can disappear, while a memorable perspective can encourage people to watch, comment, share, and remember an agent’s name.

Bob has created content related to NextHome, the NextHome real estate franchise, Real, Compass, Sotheby’s, and other industry subjects. His goal was not simply to provoke. He wanted to provide commentary while making a serious business environment more approachable.

Start Before Everything Is Perfect

Bob’s final recommendation was YouTube. He believes many consumers use Google to research where they want to move, and YouTube gives agents an opportunity to appear in those searches while allowing prospects to hear a voice and see a face.

That advice also applies to real estate investing, investing in real estate, and real estate investing for beginners. Helpful videos can answer questions before a prospect ever makes contact.

Someone searching for real estate agents near me, real estate companies near me, real estate blogs, real estate podcasts, real estate books, real estate courses, or real estate events investing may already be looking for guidance.

Bob’s approach shows that humor, systems, passion, and persistence can help build a sustainable presence in the real estate market, and support a long-term real estate investment real estate brokerage strategy.