Hustle Humbly Podcast

Are you hanging on by a thread but not quite ready to call it quits? This episode is for you. We keep getting messages from agents who are struggling financially but who are not ready to throw in the towel. We get it. Real estate has a way of pulling you in, making you believe the next deal is right around the corner. But when money is actually tight, hope alone is not a business plan. We start with a real story about Erica, a Hustle Humbly Community member who moved from California to Texas knowing absolutely no one. Instead of white-knuckling real estate with zero network and zero income, she humbled herself, went back to restaurant management, built her people, learned the market, and saved money. Then she went back into real estate full time and now has a thriving business in Texas. That is not a failure story. That is a strategy. We also share Alissa's own experience from her early days bartending private events and the moment she ran into a high-budget buyer client while working one of those events. She lost the client. It stung. But the lesson has stuck ever since. This is not the episode where we tell you to quit. This is the one where we give you 15 practical things you can do TODAY to stabilize your business, bring in money, and protect your mindset while you ride out a tough market. Here's what we cover in this episode: Text 5 people you haven't talked to in a while — your next deal is probably hiding in a name you've been scrolling past Audit your business expenses and cancel anything that isn't earning its keep Consider a "people job" (restaurant, coffee shop, gym) to bring in income while staying connected Pick up gig work without shame — Door Dash, Instacart, TaskRabbit, Uber — whatever fits your schedule Sort your database by last contact and reach out to anyone you haven't spoken to in 90 days Host a free small event in the next 30 days to get yourself in front of people Know your real number — write down your actual monthly expenses and make a plan Stop hiding behind content creation and have real conversations with real people Ask a past client for a referral directly using our ready-to-use script Partner with a local business for cross promotion — lenders, inspectors, movers, boutiques Go host or attend an open house this weekend Revisit Episode 198 on real estate side hustles to find something that keeps you in the game Set a 90-day minimum viable goal and work backward from that number Find your people — surround yourself with agents who are positive, motivated, and solution-focused Remember: surviving a hard market is a credential Key Quotes & Takeaways: "Your next deal is probably hiding in a name you've been scrolling past." Katy "Action cures anxiety. Any action will do." James Clear via Katy "Being in a funk and surrounding yourself with other people in a funk is not going to help you." Alissa "This is a business. You have to think of it like a business, run it like a business, and look at your finances." Alissa "Surviving a hard market is a credential." Katy Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned: Episode 346: Desperate Agent Behavior (hustlehumblypodcast.com/346) Episode 271: Should You Renew Your Real Estate License? (hustlehumblypodcast.com/271) Episode 198: Real Estate Side Hustles (hustlehumblypodcast.com/198) Episode 40: Bare Necessities (hustlehumblypodcast.com/40) Hustle Humbly Community (hustlehumblypodcast.com/membership) Atomic Habits by James Clear Want to toast someone on the show? Send us a voice or video message with your name, who you are toasting, and why! Email it to team@hustlehumblypodcast.com. Leave us a review at http://ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

We've talked about loopholes and contract problems before, but avoiding the messiness of real estate is one of those topics you can never cover too many times. In this episode, we're talking about all the tiny contract decisions that don't feel like a big deal until suddenly they are. Missing initials. Blank lines. Verbal promises. Appliances that magically disappear. Furniture negotiations that never end. You know the ones. This conversation was sparked by a broker who reached out to us after stepping into a compliance role and realizing just how messy agents can get with paperwork. From there, we went deep into why clean contracts matter, how verbal agreements create risk, and why adding "just one more thing" to a purchase agreement can blow up an otherwise smooth deal. This episode is part pep talk, part cautionary tale, and part reminder that professionalism protects everyone involved. Here's what we cover in this episode: Why avoiding the messiness of real estate starts with treating paperwork like a legal document (because it is) How missing initials, blanks, and timestamps can create real liability Why verbal agreements are only good for setting expectations, not protecting deals The risks of "knowledge only" conversations during due diligence Appliances, furniture, grills, boats, and why movables make contracts messy fast How lenders and appraisers view non-real-estate items in contracts Why clean offers are often the strongest offers A reminder that it's not a problem until it's a problem Key Quotes & Takeaways Alissa: "It's not a problem until it's a problem. And then it's a big problem." Katy: "The more things you add to a contract, the more things can go wrong." Alissa: "Verbal agreements are only good for setting expectations, not protecting deals." Katy: "Clean offers win. Every single time." Alissa: "Professionalism isn't about being perfect. It's about being careful." Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned: Episode 240: Loopholes in Real Estate Email Templates 101 FREE Database Template Want to toast someone on the show? Send us a voice or video message with your name, who you're toasting, and why! Email it to team@hustlehumblypodcast.com. Leave us a review at http://ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly Music: "Straight A's" by Connor Price → https://connorprice.shop/ "The Good Life" by Summer Kennedy → https://soundcloud.com/summerkennedy/the-good-life "Be The One" by Matrika → https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/be-the-one

We've talked about dual agency a lot over the years. We've shared why it can work, when it feels straightforward, and how staying factual and neutral has always been the goal. In this episode, Alissa shares a real transaction that happened a while ago where dual agency went wrong. And although a lot of time has passed, the lessons still matter. Things didn't fall apart because of a bad inspection. Not because of shady advice. But because of trust, distance, emotions, and a perfect storm of circumstances that turned a clean deal into a full-on gut punch. We're walking through the entire story from start to finish so you can hear exactly what happened, what we would do differently, and the lessons every Realtor can take from it. Even if dual agency is illegal in your state, there are still big takeaways here around inspections, communication, and how quickly things can unravel when buyers don't feel secure. Here's what we cover in this episode: Why dual agency felt simple… until it didn't How out-of-state buyers and trust issues complicated everything What happens when buyers skip the inspection (and won't FaceTime) Why a clean inspection report can still kill a deal The emotional toll of representing both sides The social media post that officially ended the relationship What we would change next time How to protect your professionalism when things go sideways This episode is honest, vulnerable, and very real. It's podcast therapy, y'all. Take what works, leave the rest, and let this be your reminder that even experienced Realtors can get humbled. Key Quotes & Takeaways "I genuinely believe I handled it right, but dual agency made it impossible for them to hear me." -Alissa "Sometimes you do everything correctly and it still goes wrong." -Katy "A clean inspection report doesn't matter if trust is already broken." -Alissa "This is why residential real estate is emotional, not logical." -Katy "This was my karma moment, and I will never forget how it felt." -Alissa Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned: Email Templates 101 Agent Systems 101 FREE Database Template Want to toast someone on the show? Send us a voice or video message with your name, who you're toasting, and why! Email it to team@hustlehumblypodcast.com. Leave us a review at http://ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly Music: Straight A's by Connor Price The Good Life by Summer Kennedy https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/be-the-one License code: UDHIJOOTAN3SJMZG

Ever wish you could peek into other agents' most challenging situations and hear exactly how to handle them? That's what this episode is all about. We asked our listeners to send us their real estate dilemmas—and they delivered! In Episode 337, we're analyzing real-life real estate scenarios: anxious buyers, builder referral incentives, tricky team splits, disclosure dilemmas, expired listings, and more. Some of these situations are tricky. Others are all-too-familiar. But every single one gets our honest take and plenty of actionable advice. We cover the real reason clients push title companies, how to build agent referral networks that *actually* work, and what happens when you're asked to list a property next to your own rentals. Plus, Alissa shares how working with "difficult" clients early in her career turned into high-end referrals later. And Katy reminds us: don't guilt-trip yourself out of success just because your lead generation strategy has evolved. Here's what we cover in this episode: - How to handle buyers who move too fast - Tips for buyer consults on the fly - New construction vs resale: what's better for a new agent? - Should you disclose you own the property next door? - Builder incentives and loyalty dilemmas - Lender/title kickbacks and your ethical obligations - When a deal falls apart—and whether to leave a bad review - Real talk on referral networks: what works and what's a waste - What to do when "difficult" clients land in your lap - Should agents retire and sell their book of business? Key Quotes & Takeaways "Just because a builder offers incentives doesn't mean it's best for your client or worse. You have to get the fee sheets and compare." – Alissa "Doing your buyer consult at the first showing is totally acceptable, just be prepared and flexible." – Katy "Using your preferred lender is a luxury, not a requirement. The client comes first." – Alissa "If you're getting enough business that you don't have time to look for business... what's the problem?" – Katy "If you can handle the difficult clients, you can earn the better ones." – Alissa Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned: Email Templates 101 – http://emailtemplates101.com Agent Systems 101 – http://agentsystems101.com FREE Database Template – http://hustlehumblypodcast.com/starthere Want to toast someone on the show? Send us a voice or video message with your name, who you're toasting, and why! Email it to team@hustlehumblypodcast.com. 🎵 Music: Straight A's by Connor Price → https://connorprice.shop/ The Good Life by Summer Kennedy → https://soundcloud.com/summerkennedy/the-good-life Be The One by Matrika → https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/be-the-one

It's a new year, and with that comes a tidal wave of motivation, new planners, gym memberships—and a lot of Realtors about to throw out their entire business in the name of "starting fresh." 😬 This episode is your permission slip to *not* join the "Real Estate Gym" of shiny tools, overhauls, and burnout waiting to happen. We're talking about the very real trap of doing *too much too fast* in January—new CRM, new lead gen, new branding, new content plan—and why it never sticks. Instead, we walk you through how to build real momentum by focusing on what's already working. Spoiler alert: Your tools aren't broken. You're just bored. And that's normal. We're sharing our favorite quotes from Atomic Habits, calling out decision fatigue, and giving you practical steps to stay consistent—even when the spark fades. ✨ Before you sign up for another system, challenge, or freebie you'll never use—listen to this. Here's what we cover in this episode: - What shiny object syndrome looks like in real estate - Why overhauling everything rarely works - The difference between boredom and failure - How to audit what actually worked last year - Setting goals based on your real business data - How to re-use what you already have - Why we aren't "motivational speakers" (and what we are instead) - How to build slow, sustainable momentum that lasts Key Quotes & Takeaways "Tools don't create habits." — Katy "You're not failing. You're bored. And that's a very different thing." — Katy "Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become." — Alissa quoting Atomic Habits "Boundaries aren't permission to not work—they're protection so you can keep working." — Alissa "Stop changing everything. Start using what you already have." — Katy Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned: Atomic Habits by James Clear Hustle Humbly Community Membership Episode 178: "Spruce Up Your Business" Email Templates 101 — http://emailtemplates101.com Agent Systems 101 — http://agentsystems101.com Want to toast someone on the show? Send us a voice or video message with your name, who you're toasting, and why! Email it to team@hustlehumblypodcast.com. Music: Straight A's by Connor Price → https://connorprice.shop/ The Good Life by Summer Kennedy → https://soundcloud.com/summerkennedy/the-good-life Be The One by Matrika → https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/be-the-one

Let's talk about the guilt loop so many Realtors get stuck in: when you're at work, you feel guilty about missing life — and when you're at home, you feel guilty about stepping away from your business. In this special replay of our Hustle Humbly Community Live Zoom from November, we're diving deep into how to set boundaries during a season that's naturally full of busyness, distraction, and high expectations (hello, holidays). This conversation is packed with relatable stories, powerful mindset shifts, and real advice from agents like you who are trying to find a way to serve their clients *and* show up for their families. Whether you're fighting burnout, feeling pulled in too many directions, or just wondering if it's okay to take a day off — this chat is your permission slip. We also hear from our friend Emily, who stepped away from real estate for a year after a devastating loss, and came back to have her best year ever. Her six takeaways are gold for any Realtor who wants to build a business that serves their life, not one that consumes it. Here's what we cover in this episode: - The mental load of the holiday season and how to protect your time - The quote that helped Alissa let go of the guilt (thanks RBG!) - The false urgency of real estate — and how to recognize *real* emergencies - Why "no" is a full sentence - What it means to actually build a business that serves you - The power of scheduled texts, second phone lines, and a literal "brick" to lock your apps - Why social time *is* work time (hello, database!) - How one agent stepped away from her business — and came back stronger Key Quotes & Takeaways "It's not that everything is urgent — it's that we're treating everything like it is." — Alissa "Your job is a gift. Let's stop letting guilt ruin both sides of our life." — Katy "Burnout is not a badge of honor." — Emily Nealy "They don't need access to you. They need clarity." — Emily Nealy "If anyone's getting your leftovers, make sure it's not your family." — Alissa Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned: Episode 212: [Does Time Blocking Work for Real Estate?](https://hustlehumblypodcast.com/212) Episode: [What To Do When You're New or Slow](https://hustlehumblypodcast.com/189) Book: *The Seven Deadly Sins of Sales* by Leigh Brown Book: *Boundaries* by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend Tools: [Agent Systems 101](http://agentsystems101.com) | [Email Templates 101](http://emailtemplates101.com) | [Free Database Template](https://www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/starthere) Hustle Humbly Community membership: hustlehumblypodcast.com/membership Want to toast someone on the show? Send us a voice or video message with your name, who you're toasting, and why! Email it to team@hustlehumblypodcast.com.

Meet Kim — a top-producing agent, team leader, and mom — who did the *unthinkable*: she took a vacation without her phone. Twice. Kim Lafleur is a Louisiana Realtor with over 655 homes sold and $121M+ in career volume. Ranked in the top 10 out of 1,900 agents in her market, Kim is known for her client-focused approach, leadership, and ability to guide families through big life moves with care and strategy. In this candid and inspiring chat, Kim joins Katy and Alissa to share what led her to surrender her phone (literally at the airport), how she prepped her business and team for the handoff, and what she learned about control, trust, and boundaries. Spoiler: nothing fell apart. From tips on how to set up your support system to stories about burner phones, birthday trips, and "bricking" your apps, this episode will have you seriously questioning how attached you really are to your phone — and if it's time to take your own real estate phone detox. If you've ever wished you could *just step away* from the constant pings and pressure of being "on" 24/7, this one is for you. Here's what we cover in this episode: - Why a phone-free vacation even seemed possible - How Kim planned for her absence (and who stepped up) - Real talk: what actually happened while she was gone - What tools and systems made it possible to disconnect - How to find *your* Leslie (aka the person who'll take your phone) - What "bricking" your apps is — and why it's life-changing - Tips for detaching from your phone even *while* you're home - Thoughts on compensation when someone covers your business Key Quotes & Takeaways "Just having the phone near you is enough to take you out of the moment." — Kim "We think we're the only ones who can do it all — but we're not. And that's kind of freeing." — Alissa "The hardest part wasn't leaving the phone. It was admitting I didn't need it." — Kim "Give yourself permission to be unavailable. You'll be shocked how much still works." — Katy "It's not about the phone. It's about letting go of control." — Kim Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned: - The Brick phone lock tool. - Email Templates 101: http://emailtemplates101.com - All our resources: https://hustlehumblypodcast.com Want to toast someone on the show? Send us a voice or video message with your name, who you're toasting, and why! Email it to team@hustlehumblypodcast.com. — Music: "Straight A's" by Connor Price → https://connorprice.shop/ "The Good Life" by Summer Kennedy → https://soundcloud.com/summerkennedy/the-good-life "Be The One" by Matrika → https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/be-the-one

When we say "digital database," we *don't* mean your phone contacts or your Facebook friends list… but those people? They're part of the journey. This episode is a mindset-reset and practical guide to growing your sphere the natural way—through actual conversations, genuine connections, and organic follow-up. Katy and Alissa are breaking down what it really looks like to be intentional with every person you meet, without overthinking it or trying to "convert" someone into a lead the moment they shake your hand. From pumpkin patch meet-ups to casual gym chats and birthday parties, Alissa shares real-life examples of how simple social connections (and friendly follow-up) have grown her business over time. No gimmicks, no pressure, just being present, paying attention, and taking the next logical step. If you've ever felt weird about friending someone you met last week or wondered if you "should" reach out again, this is your permission slip to stop overcomplicating it. Here's what we cover in this episode: What the "digital database" really is (and what it's not) How to follow up with people you meet *without being salesy* Real-life examples from school field trips, birthday parties & the gym The importance of timing when adding new connections online How to clean up your social media to support your business What to say (and not say) when you're reconnecting online The birthday method for engaging your sphere meaningfully How to grow your database when you're new or need more people Why being intentional > chasing leads Key Quotes & Takeaways "Being intentional isn't creepy; it's the beginning of connection." Alissa "The second you meet someone, take the next step. Don't wait three months, that's when it gets weird." Katy "We're not stalking. We're making friends. That's literally the job." Alissa "The digital clutter in your sphere might be hiding the people who actually matter." Katy "Send the friend request. Comment on the post. Show up like the nice, normal human you are." Alissa Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned: Build Your Own Business: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob Free Database Template: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com/starthere Email Templates 101: http://emailtemplates101.com