Episode 304: Real Estate Questions We Get Constantly – Part 1
In this episode, we tackle the real estate questions we get constantly. These are the kinds of questions that land in our inbox regularly, and we’ve sorted them into topics to bring you helpful and organized answers. From systems to staying motivated, this is part one of our Q&A series, and we’re diving deep. If you’re not already on our email list, join us at hustlehumblypodcast.com to send your own questions and grab a freebie!
Systems, Apps, and Workflows We Rely On
When it comes to systems, we’ve found simplicity and consistency to be the winning combination. We both use MileIQ to track mileage. For transaction management, Katy uses Dotloop, while Alissa uses Skyslope. Dotloop helps organize forms, e-signatures, and transaction documents.
We also rely on Google Docs (spreadsheets especially) for our databases, and we both use Trello for task management. Katy uses Canva for design work, and Alissa likes CapCut to speed up video tours. For bulk email, we use Mailchimp.
A few essential tools include:
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ShowingTime and Supra eKey through our MLS
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Mortgage calculator apps
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A compass app for showing directions
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And of course, Google Calendar for staying organized
Check out Episode 8 for a full breakdown of our favorite tech tools.
How Long Should You Follow Up with Unresponsive Leads?
We regularly clean our databases, especially during the holiday season. If someone isn’t responding after multiple check-ins, we take it as a sign they’re not ready—and that’s okay. A helpful script: “I’m updating my files—are you still planning to buy/sell, or should I remove you from my list?” Being direct often prompts a response.
Don’t take silence personally. Life happens. Be empathetic, and always offer an easy exit. We talk about managing leads in a healthy, respectful way without taking on too much emotional burden.
A Day in the Life of a Realtor (Plus Podcast Days!)
Real estate days are unpredictable. No two days look the same. However, we have structured Tuesdays and Thursdays as podcast workdays. That boundary lets us focus on creating helpful content while leaving room for our real estate businesses to function smoothly.
Some days are for closings and showings. Others, we spend catching up on admin or email. Coffee shop workdays and spontaneous midweek work-from-bed sessions are part of the flow, especially when showings get canceled. We covered our daily routines more in Episodes 87 and 89.
When Did We Know We “Made It” in Real Estate?
Confidence doesn’t come overnight. We each had a moment—whether it was no longer crying over a lost deal, or comfortably walking into a listing appointment—when we felt like we’d “made it.”
For Katy, it was around year 8–10. For Alissa, it came when she stopped relying emotionally on each transaction. A big milestone? When referrals became 25% or more of our business. That’s a sign of sustainability.
Recovering After Poor Business Decisions
If you’ve made mistakes, like overspending, start with a financial inventory. Stop the bleeding. Consider a no-spend month and evaluate what subscriptions or services you can cancel. There are great free tools out there—open houses, broker resources, our podcast—so don’t feel pressured to buy everything.
Pro tip: Cancel your credit card once a year. It forces all subscriptions to notify you and gives you the option to opt back in or let them go.
Preparing for a Busy Real Estate Season
Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Prepare now by cleaning signs, updating marketing tools, and establishing firm boundaries, like limiting showings after dark. One of the biggest things you can do is stay on top of your email inbox—it’s where time-sensitive tasks live.
Use our tip: Search “unsubscribe” in your inbox to identify and clean out newsletters and marketing emails that clutter your workflow.
Listen to Episode 33 for a full breakdown of preparing for busy seasons.
Maintaining Consistency in a Shifting Market
If you struggled from November to February, you’re not alone. But if your pipeline feels good now, keep doing what filled it. The biggest mistake? Stopping prospecting once business picks up.
Track where your leads are coming from—open houses, referrals, online—and keep those activities going. Episode “Should You Renew Your License?” has helpful questions for evaluating your career trajectory.
Scary Investments That Paid Off
For Katy, it was buying online leads early in her career—$250/month in 2006 was a big leap. But it worked, helping her close 16 deals that first year. For Alissa, it was hiring her first assistant when she was pregnant. It felt overwhelming at first, but it forced her to systematize her business.
Real Estate Roads Not Taken
Both of us faced potential career detours—jobs we didn’t get, teams we didn’t join—that in hindsight, would’ve completely changed our paths. Sometimes the things that don’t work out are just as important as the things that do.
Behind the Scenes of Hustle Humbly
What might surprise you is how much time we actually spend on the podcast. We meet twice a week and have a team, including a full-time marketing manager. We stay motivated because we genuinely love doing this. While we don’t script our episodes, we have solid systems in place, including templates and a massive idea spreadsheet.
We’re grateful that listeners continue to tune in—and we’re just getting started.
Advice for Moving to a New Market
If you’re an experienced agent moving to a new area, focus on building a database. Join neighborhood groups, attend local events (like wine and cheese nights!), and get involved in your community. Start with who you already know—church members, neighbors—and then expand outward.
Episode 264 features Christine Cooper, who moved to a brand-new market and built her business from scratch. It’s a must-listen if you’re in a similar situation.
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