We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jason Mudd a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, thanks for joining us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

In our industry, it’s not so much about disagreement as it is about misconceptions—widespread assumptions that don’t reflect the true nature of our work.

Misconception #1: All real estate agents are the same
Just as not all doctors or attorneys deliver the same level of expertise, not all real estate professionals are equal. While some may fall short of expectations, exceptional advisors provide invaluable guidance on one of life’s most significant assets—your home. Finding these standouts requires discernment and research.

Misconception #2: It’s an easy job
Real estate can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s far from easy. Top-tier professionals dedicate countless hours to their clients, staying ahead of market trends, applying cutting-edge marketing strategies, maintaining rigorous sales processes, and even navigating the psychological aspects of client relationships.

Misconception #3: Advisors are overpaid
It’s true that not all agents earn or deserve the fees they charge—but the best advisors do, and they’re worth every penny.

Real estate is a service industry, and like any business, you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for a Ritz-Carlton experience, you don’t settle for a budget motel. Exceptional advisors, much like luxury service providers, deliver more than just results—they provide a transformative experience.

The Reality:
Excelling in real estate demands hard work, diligence, and a relentless focus on delivering value. At Cindy Raney & Team, we run our business like a business, combining professional expertise with an unwavering commitment to our clients.

But we’re also on a mission to change the way people perceive the real estate experience. For us, buying or selling a home isn’t just a transaction—it’s an opportunity to provide world-class advice and service, turning what can be a stressful process into an exceptional experience.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

1. Who We Are:
My wife, Cindy Raney, and I run Cindy Raney & Team together. Cindy has over 20 years of experience selling luxury real estate, while I bring over two decades as a banking executive serving high-net-worth clients. Our combined expertise in operations, sales, and client-centric service allows us to guide luxury buyers and sellers with a unique blend of analytical rigor and personal care.

2. How We Got Started:
After retiring from banking, Cindy approached me with the idea of writing a business plan to formalize our partnership. We launched Cindy Raney & Team in 2020, starting with $20 million in luxury sales. In just three years, we’ve grown to exceed $100 million in annual sales—a testament to our dedication, strategic approach, and commitment to exceptional client service.

3. What Sets Us Apart:
Real estate is often seen as a commodity, with many agents focused solely on the transaction. We take a different approach. By working backwards from our clients’ needs and perspectives, we deliver relevant advice rooted in data, psychology, and deep market expertise. We don’t just sell homes; we empower clients to make smart decisions by asking the right questions, listening carefully, and tailoring our guidance to their unique goals.

4. The Problems We Solve for Sellers:
Many sellers need to sell quickly and maximize their sale price but aren’t sure how to prepare their homes for the market. We’ve developed a proven process that includes staging, painting, and other pre-sale services to address these needs immediately. Since 2020, our marketing strategies have helped clients sell their homes 3.4% above and 26% faster than the market average.

5. The Problems We Solve for Buyers:
In today’s tight inventory environment, finding the perfect home is a challenge. One of our most effective strategies is personalized outreach. We ask clients to identify specific streets or homes of interest, then personally contact homeowners with polite letters and follow-up calls. This approach has led to successful transactions with sellers who hadn’t initially considered moving.

6. Our Brand Values:
Our philosophy is simple: clients come first. Every decision we make begins and ends with the question, “Does this benefit our client?” We aim to create exceptional experiences, deliver transparent and insightful guidance, and ensure our clients feel confident and delighted throughout the process. While we specialize in luxury real estate, we’re passionate about helping anyone who needs guidance, regardless of price point.

7. What We’re Most Proud Of:

Building an Exceptional Team: Working with our team of “A” players is a privilege. Their energy and dedication to our clients inspire me every day. Over 90% of our business comes from referrals, reflecting the trust and value our clients place in us.

Giving Back: Cindy and I are deeply committed to our community, serving on local boards such as Yale New Haven Bridgeport Hospital and the Fairfield Historical Museum. We’re grateful for the opportunity to give back to a community that has supported us so generously.

Making an Impact: Helping clients navigate one of the most significant decisions of their lives is incredibly rewarding. We take this responsibility seriously, and I’m proud to say our work has a meaningful impact—not just on our clients, but on the broader community.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I’m glad you asked this question—there’s a fun story behind it.

In 2017, I met my wife, Cindy, when I purchased a home. She was the agent representing the seller, and at the time, we were both single. Ironically, months before, a mutual friend had given me her phone number. However, being somewhat inept in the world of dating, I hadn’t yet mustered the courage to call her.

As luck (and fate) would have it, our paths crossed during the home-buying process. Cindy was gracious enough to forgive my hesitation—perhaps the nice commission check softened the blow!

Fast forward to today: we’re now partners in life and business. Our blended family of five kids, two dogs, and three guinea pigs all live happily in that very same home. It’s a daily reminder of how life’s unexpected twists can lead to wonderful outcomes.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

This is an easy question to answer but a challenging one to execute.
Our reputation is built on (3) foundational principles:
1. Providing Principled Advice: We focus on what our clients need to hear, not just what they want to hear. This means being honest, data-driven, and always guiding them toward decisions that are in their best interest—even when it’s not the easiest path.

2. A Relentless Focus on Clients: Everything we do centers around creating an exceptional experience for our clients. By prioritizing their needs and consistently delivering value, we’ve earned trust and referrals, which are the backbone of our success.

3. Unwavering Dedication to Building an Exceptional Team: Great businesses are built by the quality of their people. We’re committed to hiring “A” players. We do this by fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and growth within our team. When your team feels supported and inspired, it reflects in the service they provide to clients.

We believe that by staying true to these principles, any business—not just real estate—can build an exceptional reputation and operate successfully in any market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cindyraney.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindyraneyandteam/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CindyRaneyRealtor
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-h-mudd/