The Mindful Agent: Mastering Freedom and Efficiency in Real Estate
In the latest episode of The Mindful Agent, host Michael Coxen sits down with Ross Greene, a seasoned real estate agent from Summerlin, Las Vegas. With over a decade of experience, Ross shares his unconventional journey into real estate, lessons learned along the way, and how he’s built a thriving business defined by efficiency, systems, and balance.
From Craigslist to Real Estate Success
Ross’s entry into real estate was anything but planned. At 23, while still in school, he found himself working part-time for a busy real estate team—taking photos of homes and posting ads on Craigslist. With no prior experience, Ross relied on intuition and adaptability, eventually earning his license and diving full-time into the world of real estate.
“It was happenstance,” Ross recalls. “I never planned on getting into real estate, but I trusted my gut.”
The Myth of Instant Freedom
A common misconception among new agents is that real estate offers immediate freedom. Ross debunks this myth, explaining how true freedom is earned over time.
“For the first six to seven years, it was anything but freedom,” Ross says. “It’s all hustle, long hours, and being constantly on call. You have to build a solid clientele and referral base before you can start enjoying the perks of freedom.”
By sticking to his craft, continually improving, and embracing discomfort, Ross eventually created the life he wanted—one where he could spend more time with his growing family.
Building a System for Efficiency
Efficiency isn’t just a buzzword for Ross; it’s a way of life. One of his key strategies involves systematizing his work to save time and improve client experience. He noticed that many clients asked the same questions, so he developed automated email templates tied to transaction timelines.
“I aim for a zero-question transaction,” Ross explains. “By anticipating client questions and answering them before they even arise, I reduce stress for both the client and myself.”
Ross stores his templates in Apple Notes and uses Gmail’s scheduling feature to send out updates at key points in the transaction, such as inspection deadlines and loan contingencies. This proactive approach not only enhances professionalism but also frees up more time for what matters most.
The Real Estate Investment Strategy
Beyond sales, Ross has built a portfolio of five rental properties using a strategy of turning primary residences into long-term investments. He purchases homes with low down payments, lives in them for a year, and then rents them out after moving to a new property. Over time, this approach has allowed him to grow his portfolio while minimizing upfront costs.
“My strategy has always been about creating future income,” Ross says. “I want to build something sustainable that provides financial freedom down the road.”
Leveraging AI for Smarter Decisions
Ross is also a huge advocate for using AI to streamline his business and personal life. Whether it’s generating email templates, analyzing market reports, or evaluating insurance plans, AI has become an indispensable tool.
“It’s like having an unbiased advisor at your fingertips,” Ross explains. “You can run scenarios, compare plans, and get quick answers to complex questions. It saves time and helps me make better decisions.”
Work-Life Balance and Defining ‘Enough’
With a son at home and another child on the way, Ross prioritizes spending time with family. He’s mindful of not letting work consume his life and constantly reflects on what “enough” means for him.
“You can always make more money, but you can never get back time,” Ross emphasizes. “At some point, you have to ask yourself, when is enough, enough?”
Ross’s focus on family drives his approach to both work and life. He strives to create a balanced lifestyle where he can be fully present at home while still maintaining a successful career.
Quickfire Wisdom from Ross Greene
Habit with the Biggest Impact: Reading. Ross dedicates time in the afternoon to read, which helps him grow personally and professionally.
Favorite Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. Ross uses its principles as a framework for decision-making.
Productivity Tool: Apple Notes. “I use it for everything—from organizing taxes to storing email templates. It’s simple, scalable, and always accessible.”
Mantra to Live By: “The most expensive thing you can do is be cheap.” This mindset helps Ross focus on long-term value rather than short-term savings.
Unwinding After a Long Day: Spending time with family and playing with his son.
Key Takeaways for Agents
Systematize Your Business: Create templates and automate repetitive tasks to save time and improve client experience.
Invest Wisely: Turn primary residences into rental properties to build long-term wealth.
Leverage Technology: Use AI to make smarter decisions and streamline processes.
Define Your ‘Enough’: Reflect on what success means to you and set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Collaborate, Don’t Compete: Adopt an abundance mindset and build relationships with other agents to elevate your business.
Final Thoughts
Ross Greene’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability, and mindful living in real estate. By focusing on systems, efficiency, and relationships, he’s created a sustainable business that allows him to prioritize what matters most.
Whether you’re a new agent looking for guidance or a seasoned pro seeking inspiration, Ross’s story offers valuable lessons on how to build a career—and a life—defined by both success and fulfillment.
Stay tuned for more insightful episodes of The Mindful Agent. Ready to elevate your real estate career? Join us at Magenta, where we empower agents to create their own legacy.