In the 479th episode of the Mail Right Show, co-hosts Jonathan Denwood, founder of Mail-Right.com, and Robert Newman, founder of InboundREM.com, dive into one of the most polarizing and opinionated topics in the industry: real estate coaching. With the coaching space booming and agents spending serious money to level up their businesses, this episode is a deep-dive into some of the most well-known (and lesser-known) coaches in 2025.
Real estate professionals tuning in will walk away with honest, unfiltered insight into which coaching styles work for what types of agents, what to watch out for, and where you’re likely to get the best return on your investment.
Introduction
Real estate coaching has exploded in popularity—and cost. In 2025, it’s common for agents to spend hundreds (even thousands) of dollars a month for personal coaching, group masterminds, and marketing bootcamps. But does it always pay off?
With decades of combined experience in real estate marketing, Robert and Jonathan share their perspectives on which coaching programs are delivering real value—and which ones may leave agents disappointed. Whether you’re looking to build referral networks, master cold calling, or strengthen your social media presence, this episode helps you figure out where to start and what to avoid.
Tom Ferry
Tom Ferry is arguably the most recognized name in real estate coaching. Backed by a powerhouse marketing team and a long family legacy (his father, Mike Ferry, also made the list), Tom runs massive conferences, high-ticket masterminds, and a content machine through his YouTube and podcast channels.
But here’s the catch: most coaching is NOT done by Tom himself. Agents are paired with a coach from his team, and results can vary wildly depending on who you get. While the motivation and structure appeal to many, Robert warns that you may not get the specialized guidance you need, especially if you’re handed off to someone lacking experience in your area of weakness (e.g. social media or lead conversion).
Ricky Carruth
Ricky Carruth stands out as a hands-on, no-fluff coach. Known for his circle prospecting system and emphasis on cold calling, Ricky practices what he preaches—he still cold calls regularly and shares his calls on YouTube.
His coaching is affordable, practical, and transparent. Ricky focuses on building relationships first, asking for business second. For agents who can stomach the grind of prospecting, he offers a high-value, low-cost approach that’s hard to beat.
Robert praises Ricky’s “give first, ask later” philosophy and Jonathan agrees—though he admits cold calling isn’t his style.
Mike Ferry
Mike Ferry, father of Tom Ferry, represents the classic sales coaching model. He’s all about scripts, structure, and old-school methods like door knocking and in-person referrals. If you want to master traditional selling, Mike’s content still holds value.
Robert notes that many of today’s agents have never even read a sales book, and for those folks, Mike might be a good entry point. However, if you’re looking for more digital or inbound marketing expertise, this might feel dated.
Brian Buffini: Relationship Marketing That Actually Converts
Buffini & Company offers a referral-based coaching system focused on building deep relationships with a “core group” (often 100–300 contacts). Jonathan likens it to Ricky’s philosophy, but more structured, with its own proprietary CRM and coaching team.
Unlike some big-name coaches, Buffini consistently gets high marks from agents for delivering value. The system emphasizes staying in touch, sending personal notes, and creating consistent client touches—an ideal fit for agents who thrive on human connection.
Katie Lance
Katie Lance brings a modern twist to the coaching world with her focus on social media strategy. With over 18,000 YouTube subscribers, Katie practices what she preaches, offering content on Instagram, YouTube, and more.
Robert and Jonathan note that Katie seems to resonate with newer agents looking to grow their online presence. While neither has seen her coaching firsthand, her strong social media following suggests she delivers accessible, entry-level strategies that help agents get noticed.
Tim and Julie Harris
Tim and Julie Harris run one of the most popular real estate podcasts. But when it comes to their coaching system, things get murky. Jonathan admits the show wasn’t his style—often filled with mindset chatter or promotional interviews—and Robert finds their value proposition unclear.
While the couple has longevity and reach, the lack of transparency about what their coaching actually includes raises questions.
Final Thoughts
This episode wasn’t about naming the “best” coaches—it was about offering perspective. Real estate agents come with different personalities, needs, and skill levels. What works for one might not work for another.
Robert and Jonathan urge agents to do their research, read a few sales books, and be clear on what they need help with before investing in a coach. And most importantly, look for real, verifiable value—not just a flashy brand or inspirational messaging.
Whether you’re building a digital brand, mastering cold calls, or creating a referral machine, the right coach can accelerate your growth—as long as you pick one that fits your style and goals
