Who says you can’t go home again? For Justin McLaughlin, the Shorewood, Illinois-based real estate agent, his return to eXp Realty after a seven-month detour with Epique proves that sometimes, coming back is the best move forward.
“I know now to stop looking for the shiny object. We decided we would build stronger and better and that our group could be the example at eXp. That is our long-term goal,” said Justin.
A Journey of Reflection and Rediscovery
Justin, who originally joined eXp Realty in 2019, became one of its standout performers. During his five years with the brokerage, he earned the prestigious ICON Agent award three times, a recognition given to eXp agents who demonstrate high production and commitment to the company’s core values. He was even nicknamed by some eXp agents as “El Presidente of eXp” because of his friendships and his ability to collaborate with anyone at eXp, regardless of their team structure or affiliation.
However, in early 2024, Justin felt restless. Driven by the allure of greater financial opportunities and promises of faster growth, he left eXp Realty to join Epique.
“Looking back, I was chasing a ‘get rich quick’ mentality,” Justin shared. “I thought the grass was greener, but once I left, I quickly realized that eXp had already provided me with everything I needed to succeed.”
While at Epique, Justin found himself longing for the resources, tools, and collaborative community that had defined his career at eXp. The support network and innovative systems he once took for granted became glaringly absent, leading to a dip in his production as his focus shifted toward helping others replicate his prior success.
“I was excited to be a part of a startup and wanted to feel the excitement and pain that some of the original influencers felt helping to grow eXp. But it just wasn’t in the cards to help build another virtual brokerage with everything going on in life. Also the stagnant feeling I had at eXp only got worse (at Epique). Blair Soto (another agent who left eXp and came back) said it best: ‘It just doesn’t feel like home.’ Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. She was right and the decision to come back was easy after that.”
Refocused on Building with Purpose
Now back at eXp Realty, Justin is embracing a renewed sense of purpose.
“Rejoining eXp isn’t just about returning to what I know; it’s about doubling down on building stronger with the tools and support that have proven to work,” he explained.
“As a solo agent, I’ve always enjoyed building revenue share groups and fostering growth within the eXp community. We’re bringing 15 incredible partners with us as we rejoin the thousands in our upline, and the momentum doesn’t stop here — more are already lined up to join us in 2025!”
With eXp’s comprehensive suite of technology-driven resources, including kvCORE, eXp University, and a global referral network, Justin is more equipped than ever to regain momentum. His experience has taught him the importance of aligning with a brokerage that not only empowers individual success but also fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation.
“Success isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about creating a legacy of impact,” he said. “eXp’s model gives me the tools and platform to do both.”
Learn More About Justin McLaughlin:
Real estate specialty: REO and short sales but has sold almost every type of real estate and has even done deals with the U.S. government through eminent domain.
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty (Nov. 2024 – present)
- Epique (7 months in 2024)
- eXp Realty (2019-2024)
- TLC Real Estate (2016-2019)
Other highlights:
- 3X ICON Award winner
- President of Three Rivers Association (2024)
- 3 consecutive championships in ASHL Hockey League
