Compass Conversations host Jared Klein sits down with Ruth Reffkin, a longtime New York City real estate professional and one of the early inspirations behind Compass, to discuss relationship-driven sales, open houses, direct buyers, referrals, team growth, and serving older adults in transition.

Ruth shares lessons from life insurance, fundraising, education, and decades in real estate, showing how listening, consistency, and genuine care can create a lasting business.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Listen Before You Sell

Ruth’s most important sales lesson is simple: ask the right question, then stop talking. Listening helps agents understand a client’s real concerns, motivations, and needs instead of rushing to fill the silence.

1. Focus on Activity, Not Outcomes

Her training at New York Life taught her  ...