Episode 53: Q&A – Real Estate Real Talk from Our Listeners
On this episode, we’re diving into a Q&A session with real estate real talk that answers your burning questions—from comps to crazy client stories. Whether you’re brand new or seasoned, we’re here to offer real, unfiltered advice on the realities of real estate.
Have You Ever Competed for a Listing Against Each Other?
Yes—kind of. Before we were friends, we unknowingly competed for the same listing in our old neighborhood. Alyssa got the call, only to find out Katie was already hired. Now, we handle it differently. If we know the other is going for a listing, one of us will step back. We believe in community over competition and support other agents in our networks the same way.
How Did You Learn to Comp a House?
Comping isn’t taught in real estate school, so we learned through practice, leaning on mentors and using tools like CMA summaries. It’s not about guessing—it’s using the data. For tricky properties, ask your broker, a trusted agent, or even an appraiser. Over time, you’ll grow confident in your own pricing skills.
How Do You Handle New Buyer Leads and Consultations?
First, we qualify them—do they have an agent? Have they spoken with a lender? If not, we walk them through the lending process. Once they’re pre-approved, we plug them into our systems (like Trello) and send a “next steps” email template. For the consultation, Katie offers a one-showing freebie, while Alyssa sometimes meets at lender appointments, especially if she hasn’t met the buyer yet.
How Do You Get Buyers Off the Computer and Into Homes?
Some buyers are overly cautious, relying solely on online photos. Instead of forcing them to tour, we ask why they don’t want to see a house. Their answer reveals what they truly want. We also sneak in nearby homes while already out showing—it helps build confidence and comparison.
What If Your Buyer Loses in a Multiple Offer Situation?
It happens. We always remind them: if you gave your best offer, you didn’t lose. The right house always comes around. It’s about trusting the process and keeping your emotions in check. We’ve never had a situation where it didn’t ultimately work out for the better.
Can You Avoid Being a Pop-Tart Agent?
Yes—with boundaries. But for highly motivated buyers in hot markets, you may need to jump. Have a trusted partner to cover showings when you can’t. You can still respect your time and provide excellent service—it just depends on the client and the urgency.
How Did Business Change After Kids?
Having kids forced us to build boundaries. Time becomes precious, and your priorities shift. We stopped saying yes to everything and started protecting our mornings and evenings. Surprisingly, business didn’t suffer—clients respected our time more, and we became more efficient and professional.
Do You Budget and Save for Investments?
Yes. We save around 15% of each paycheck for savings and 28% for taxes. We use the EveryDollar app by Dave Ramsey to track spending. Budgeting gives you permission to spend wisely—it’s not about restriction. You’ll also find that once your business stabilizes, your income becomes more predictable.
Do You Give Closing Gifts?
Always. Buyers get a watercolor of their new home or a return address stamp (a $20 Amazon favorite). Sellers sometimes get a photo book of their old home, especially if they were emotionally attached. The key? Keep it simple and repeatable.
Listings vs. Buyers—Do You Prefer One Over the Other?
It depends. In the beginning, buyers felt easier. Now, listings are better for time management and boundaries. Preparing a home, staging it, and seeing results is rewarding. Buyers can be fulfilling too—but balance is key.
What Do You Repeat at the Listing Appointment?
We don’t repeat everything in the pre-listing email. Instead, we reference it and ask if they have questions. We focus on walking through the home, building rapport, and gathering needed documents. We reinforce expectations but avoid wasting time on details they’ve already read.
How to Break into a New Market as a Listing Agent?
Our listings come from referrals, but if you’re targeting a new area, try open houses, handwritten notes, or joining local community groups. Post on social media, tag neighborhoods, and engage with the community. It’s a long game, but it works.
Real Estate Real Talk: Crazy Client Stories
Katie once had a client call in a panic—was there an alligator in the backyard pond? Turns out it was a fake decoy to scare off nutria. Alyssa shared a story of a client who refused to move out after selling. She had to step in and help her pack—only to later be accused of “stealing” her items. Real estate real talk means wild stories, y’all!
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