What if the key to a smoother real estate transaction is treating the agent on the other side like they're your client? In this episode of Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered, James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson sit down with Cari McGee, team leader of the Cari McGee Team at RE/MAX Northwest to explore the systems, relationships, and mindset behind more than 650 home sales and 270-plus five-star reviews. Cari explains that a successful real estate transaction depends on more than how well you serve your buyer or seller. The other agent can make or break the deal, which means building respect and cooperation across the transaction isn't just professional courtesy, it's part of representing your client's best interests. They discuss: Why the other agent may be your most important client during a real estate transaction How Cari built a system that generates roughly 70% of her business from referrals The simple process behind more than 270 five-star reviews How her Rockstar Rewards program keeps "forever clients" connected Why expectation-setting can help agents protect their time without sacrificing service Cari also breaks down the economics behind her client rewards strategy. Since launching the program, she estimates spending roughly $85,000 while attributing approximately $1.3 million in commissions to the system. Her events and giveaways aren't necessarily elaborate, either; from Pop-Tart-making classes and pumpkin patches to pies and small monthly giveaways. The power comes from consistent, meaningful contact with the people already in her sphere. If you want to build stronger relationships, generate more referrals, and create a better real estate transaction for everyone involved, this episode offers a practical blueprint you can start using immediately. Links mentioned during the episode: Forever Clients: https://www.seosavvyagent.com/forever-clients Perk Your Sphere: https://a.co/d/0aydT4qn Connect with Cari on LinkedIn - Facebook - YouTube and online at carimcgee.com. https://www.linkedin.com/in/carimcgee/ https://www.facebook.com/carimcgee/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwB2L_YdKZMa6VShjI2SrWQ https://carimcgee.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 – Should Agents Represent Both Sides? 00:24 – Meet Cari McGee 04:27 – Cari's 20+ Years in Real Estate 06:15 – Burnout After the COVID Market 10:16 – Rapid Fire 12:54 – 650 Sales and 270+ Five-Star Reviews 16:15 – How Cari Builds Trust With Clients 17:13 – Protecting Buyers From Bad Resale Decisions 20:25 – Cari's System for Getting Reviews 24:58 – Setting Boundaries With Clients 28:10 – Fiduciary Duty and Private Listings 29:38 – Why Cari Opposes Dual Agency 31:53 – Cast the Widest Net Possible 32:18 – Washington's Approach to Private Listings 35:35 – Your Database Is Your Gold Mine 37:18 – The Rockstar Rewards Program 38:07 – Turning Past Clients Into Forever Clients 38:54 – Client Events That Actually Work 40:35 – The ROI of Staying Connected 42:12 – Simple Monthly Client Giveaways 45:32 – How Much Business Comes From Referrals? 46:34 – Adjusting to a Changing Market 48:06 – The Other Agent Is Your Real Client