How do you build a $6 billion real estate business without making every relationship about the next transaction? Louise Phillips Forbes has spent more than 35 years answering that question. After making just $8,400 during her first year in real estate, she went on to close more than $6 billion by building a business around service, relationships, generosity, and genuine human connection. In this episode of Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered, James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson talk with Louise about why relationships over transactions isn't simply a nice philosophy. It's been the foundation of her entire career. They discuss: How Louise went from $8,400 her first year to more than $6 billion in sales Why agents should view other agents as colleagues, not competitors How generosity creates opportunity without constantly asking for business Why relationships and experience matter even more as real estate becomes more transparent The simple relationship-building habit agents can start using today Louise also explains why she doesn't approach her sphere as a database of potential transactions. Her clients have become friends, introduced her to her husband, and even made her a godmother 15 times. Her business became part of her life because she focused first on being useful to the people around her. If you're tired of chasing leads and transactions, this conversation is a reminder that the most powerful real estate strategy may still be the simplest: build relationships first, and let the business follow. Connect with Louise on LinkedIn - Instagram (team) - Instagram (self) - Facebook and online at louisephillipsforbes.com. https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-phillips-forbes-0844905/ https://www.instagram.com/louisephillipsforbesteam/ https://www.instagram.com/weze_sez/ https://www.facebook.com/LPhillipsTeam/ https://louisephillipsforbes.com The industry is evolving. The question is: will your business evolve with it? Join us at Zillow Unlock 2026 and be part of the conversation shaping what comes next. Register today at unlockconference.com and use code REIU20 for 20% off your ticket*. *Code can be used on all full priced passes leading up to the event and cannot be combined with any other discounts. Subscribe to Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered?sub_confirmation=1 To learn more about becoming a sponsor of the show send us an email: jessica@inman.com You asked for it. We delivered. Check out our new merch! https://merch.realestateinsidersunfiltered.com/ Follow Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered Podcast on Instagram - YouTube - Facebook - TikTok. Visit us online at realestateinsidersunfiltered.com. Link to Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered Link to Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/realestateinsiderspod/ Link to YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered Link to TikTok Page: https://www.tiktok.com/@realestateinsiderspod Link to website: https://realestateinsidersunfiltered.com This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative. https://twobrotherscreative.com/contact/ The views and opinions expressed on Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered are those of the hosts and guests in their personal capacities and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of AGNT, Inc., eXp Realty, LLC, NextHome, Inc., or any of their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, or directors. Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Relationships Over Transactions 00:17 – Meet Louise Phillips Forbes 02:07 – Zillow Unlock 2026 04:09 – From Dancer to Real Estate Agent 05:52 – Building a Business Through Service 07:47 – Why Generosity Wins in Real Estate 10:09 – Treat People the Way You Want to Be Treated 11:17 – Scarcity vs. Abundance 12:09 – Build Your Business Around What You Love 14:21 – Rapid Fire 18:00 – How New York Real Estate Has Changed 20:55 – Selling Real Estate Before Online Listings 23:44 – What Transparency Changed for Consumers 25:33 – The Private Listing Problem 29:30 – What Happens When Brokerages Stop Sharing? 31:24 – New York Politics and Real Estate 42:29 – Will New York Always Come Back? 45:57 – Balancing Service With Strength 48:04 – Why Louise Is Restructuring Her Business 49:56 – Never Stop Learning 52:08 – Be Intentional About Your Relationships 54:05 – Five Personal Connections That Require No Ask