In the competitive real estate market of Southlake, TX, the days of agents finding clients through cold calls and direct mail are fading. Buyers and sellers now conduct their own research online before ever contacting an agent, making a strong media presence a critical component for success. Justin Nimergood, leader of the Top Gun Team at Epique Realty, has made media presence a requirement for his agents, recognizing its power to attract both clients and future team members.
Nimergood experienced this firsthand when his own social media activity led to an inbound message from a former college roommate, who is now in the process of joining the Top Gun Team. This wasn't a paid lead or a cold call result; it was the organic outcome of consistent, authentic content reaching the right person at the right time.
The modern real estate consumer is more informed than ever. "They don't want to be sold to anymore," Nimergood said. "The new consumer of real estate is well educated and well informed, and they will find you. They don't want to be found; they want to find you." This shift means marketing must focus on building trust and credibility rather than interrupting potential clients. A media presence allows prospective clients to evaluate an agent's expertise and personality at their own pace, leading to warmer, more qualified leads who are already comfortable before they reach out.
One common misconception is that building a media presence requires elaborate stunts or professional production. Nimergood pushes back on this idea: "You don't need to be doing TikTok dances and jumping out from behind pot plants." Instead, the key is consistency and education. Agents who regularly share useful, local information—such as market trends or common buyer mistakes—build more trust than those who attempt to go viral once and disappear. A simple, informative video takes less effort than a highly produced piece and is more sustainable in the long run.
The benefits of a media presence extend beyond client acquisition. For team leaders, it also aids in recruiting. Agents considering joining a team can observe the leader's philosophy and communication style through their content, getting a clearer picture of the team's culture than any slide deck could provide. This dual impact makes media presence a powerful tool for growing both client base and team roster.
Time constraints are the most common objection, but Nimergood's Top Gun Team offers a solution: the "Podcast in a Box" program handles production, editing, and publishing for agents, requiring only their participation and knowledge. This support system allows agents to maintain a consistent media presence without overwhelming their schedules.
For agents in Southlake and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth area, a media presence is no longer optional. It is one of the most effective ways to be discovered by buyers, sellers, and future teammates who are already searching online. As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, those who embrace this shift will be better positioned to thrive in 2026 and beyond.
