What do serial killers, mothballs, lawsuits, and staircases to nowhere have in common? Yep. They’ve all made an appearance in the world of real estate.

In this fun twist from our usual mindset or strategy-based content, we’re diving into the craziest, weirdest, and sometimes most horrifying real estate stories we’ve ever heard (or experienced). Some stories are viral legends — and we investigate whether they’re actually true or total internet myths. Others? Straight from real agents, and totally real (unfortunately).

We promise you’ll laugh, cringe, and maybe side-eye your next transaction just a little more carefully. From exploding cars and fake agents in boxers to the infamous Winchester Mystery House and a literal bag of 22 mothballs — we’ve got it all.

Don’t worry — we balance out the chaos with a reminder to stay safe, trust your instincts, and question everything you read on the internet.

And hey, Halloween is around the corner! Got a haunted house story? Send it in now to [email protected] so we can include it in our upcoming Halloween episode!

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• The infamous “spite house” and why it may not be built out of spite after all

• A listing appointment that turned into a literal crime scene

• The real story behind those $1 and $35 listings (yes, they’re real)

• An exploding car, a cashier’s check, and a shocking identity reveal

• A fake agent caught mid-makeout in a vacant condo

• Lawsuits over feedback: viral fiction or something to worry about?

• Why one house smelled like it had 22,000 mothballs

• An agent’s instincts about a creepy seller — and what happened after

• Staircases that lead to ceilings and doors that go nowhere

• The wild truth behind selling a house via raffle tickets

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• Ozone machines (used for odor removal)

• Realtor.com and Inman articles (referenced in viral pricing strategy discussion)

Leave us a review at ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

Get your FREE Database Template 

Email Templates 101: emailtemplates101.com

Build Your Own Business 101: hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob

Agent Systems 101: agentsystems101.com

All Resources: hustlehumblypodcast.com

Submit your topic ideas and toasts to [email protected]

Music:

Straight A’s by Conner Price

The Good Life by Summer Kennedy

Ever felt a little uneasy walking into a showing alone? This one’s for y’all.

It’s Realtor Safety Month, and we’re not here to give you a snoozy lecture; we’re telling REAL stories from our time in the field, including a downright chilling personal experience that’s forever changed how we approach safety. 

In this episode, we’re getting honest about the scary stuff: being targeted by strangers, unsettling showings, and the sneaky ways scammers are taking advantage of Realtors and clients. It’s not about fear; it’s about awareness and professionalism. Because safety isn’t a luxury in this job. It’s a necessity.

We cover the 7 reasons why being a Realtor is more dangerous than people realize and the 7 most common real estate scams going around RIGHT NOW. You’ll also walk away with a practical safety checklist to implement today—whether you’re doing a solo open house or meeting a new client for the first time.

You’ll hear:

• Katy’s personal safety scare and why she NEVER parks in driveways anymore

• Why showing up early to a listing isn’t always the safest choice

• The real story behind that too-good-to-be-true moving company

• The $446 million scam that’s hitting buyers where it hurts most

• How to protect yourself (and your clients!) from wire fraud and fake listings

• What scammers are doing with AI and your social media content

• A safety checklist every Realtor should be using

Y’all, this is one of those episodes we hope you never need, but one you can’t afford to miss. Stay alert. Stay smart. Stay safe.

1. “You don’t need to be scared, but you do need to be prepared.” — Katy

2. “Realtor safety isn’t about fear—it’s about boundaries and professionalism.” — Alissa

3. “Scammers are getting smarter. AI makes it easier than ever for someone to pretend to be you.” — Katy

4. “If something feels off, leave. Don’t be polite. Just go.” — Alissa

5. “The job looks glamorous, but there are real risks people don’t talk about.” — Katy

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• SafeShowings App

• Forewarn App

• Like360 App

• The Close article on 7 Real Estate Scams

• Episode #190 on wire fraud

• Episodes #6 & 7 with Carl Carter

• Safety Episode #161 with Tanner (Alissa's husband & Law Enforcement Officer)

Leave us a review at ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

Get your FREE Database Template 

Email Templates 101: emailtemplates101.com

Build Your Own Business 101: hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob

Agent Systems 101: agentsystems101.com

All Resources: hustlehumblypodcast.com

Submit your topic ideas and toasts to [email protected]

Music:

Straight A’s by Conner Price

The Good Life by Summer Kennedy

Is your database collecting dust while you chase another shiny lead?

This episode is the mindset reset you didn’t know you needed. We know the word database might not sound fun or flashy, but trust us; this is the foundation of your business. If you’ve been avoiding working on your database because it feels “salesy,” overwhelming, or just plain boring, this is your episode.

We’re breaking down how your database isn’t a static list. It’s alive, y’all, just like sourdough starter (seriously). You have to feed it, prune it, and use it if you want it to work. This is not a one-and-done task. It’s an ongoing, evolving system that, when done right, will eventually help you get off the hamster wheel of paying for leads or chasing strangers.

We share exactly what we do to maintain our databases, from real-life workflows to browser hacks and what we do at every closing. Plus, we’re dishing on all the ways agents waste time thinking they're being productive. Spoiler alert: endlessly tweaking your logo is not it.

We also chat through:

• Why having a database doesn’t mean sending one card a year

• What Alissa’s CPA said that totally validates the database strategy

• The database math trick to test the health of your contacts

• Our favorite real-life success story of a lead-to-referral database strategy

• The list of time-wasting “busy work” agents confuse with productivity

• Why letting go of instant gratification is key for long-term success

• How overprepping, overthinking, and over-networking can keep you stuck

• Why we’re teaching our Build Your Own Business course LIVE this fall

Let’s be real: if your only job was to maintain your people, what fluff would you cut out?

Let’s make your business more efficient, intentional, and referral-based — without the overwhelm. You don’t have to start from scratch, but you do have to start.

1. “The health of your business is a direct reflection of the health of your database.” – Alissa

2. “If your database is working, you don’t have to keep chasing strangers.” – Katy

3. “Your database is not done. It’s alive. It has to be fed, and it has to be pruned.” – Katy

4. “People avoid the database because it’s not instant. But the payoff is long-term and real.” – Alissa

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• Build Your Own Business course (Live version starts September 2, 2025) www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob

• LSU football schedule magnets

• Trello & Google sheets

• Previous episode #212: Does Time Blocking Work in Real Estate?

Leave us a review at ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

Get your FREE Database Template 

Email Templates 101: emailtemplates101.com

Build Your Own Business 101: hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob

Agent Systems 101: agentsystems101.com

All Resources: hustlehumblypodcast.com

Submit your topic ideas and toasts to [email protected]

Music:

Straight A’s by Conner Price

The Good Life by Summer Kennedy

Feeling stuck between representing your client and not looking crazy with the co-op agent? This episode is for you.

We’re hearing from a lot of y’all lately that you are feeling lost when it comes to presenting low offers, rough repair requests, and those fun times when your clients want you to ask for things that make zero sense. If you are nodding your head; you’re not alone.

In today’s chat, we’re diving deep into the art of negotiating, communicating clearly, and most importantly, setting and managing client expectations in this shifting market. Whether it’s an offer you're embarrassed to present, a buyer asking for $15k in closing costs, or a seller who thinks their 90s carpet is just fine—this episode is packed with real stories, actual scripts, and mindset shifts that will help you show up with confidence.

We’re not here to sugarcoat. We’re here to help you keep your professionalism intact, even when your clients are testing your patience.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• What your fiduciary duty actually means (and why it matters)

• How to present lowball offers without cringing

• What to say when a client’s expectations are unrealistic

• When (and how) to push back while still representing your client

• Why “I think” needs to leave your vocabulary

• Real stories of negotiation wins and losses

• How to use market data as your superpower

• The secret to staying calm and confident, even when a builder tells you they hope to never work with you again

If you’ve ever worried about what other agents think of you, or if you’ve felt torn between doing what your client wants and what you know is right, this is your pep talk.

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• Book: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

• Hustle Humbly Email Templates: https://hustlehumblypodcast.com/emailtemplates

• Join the Community: https://hustlehumblypodcast.com/membership

1. “You’re not just a messenger. You’re their agent. That means you have to offer advice.” – Katy

2. “Just because a client asks for the moon doesn’t mean you have to present it without question.” – Alissa

3. “Professionalism always wins, even when you're delivering bad news.” – Katy

4. “Data gives you confidence. Use it to lead the conversation instead of saying ‘I think.’” – Alissa

“You can present a ridiculous offer and still be professional about it.” – Katy

Leave us a review at ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

Get your FREE Database Template 

Email Templates 101: emailtemplates101.com

Build Your Own Business 101: hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob

Agent Systems 101: agentsystems101.com

All Resources: hustlehumblypodcast.com

Submit your topic ideas and toasts to [email protected]

Music:

Straight A’s by Conner Price

The Good Life by Summer Kennedy

Can you really be yourself online and still be seen as a professional? Before you scrub your personal life off the internet as part of your real estate initiation, listen in as we tackle one of the most common (and most paralyzing) social media questions: Should I have two accounts—one for business and one for personal?

This isn’t just a tech question. It’s a mindset one. We’ve seen so many agents struggle with how much of their real life to share. Should you talk about your hobbies? Even if it’s super niche? Surely people don’t want to hear about my obsession with whale watching and real estate in the same place. (Or, do they?)

In this chat, we go deep into:

• Why being relatable actually helps your business

• How your vibe really does attract your tribe

• The pros and cons of multiple social accounts

• Tips on account types (creator, personal, or business?) and how they affect your reach

• Why your follower count isn’t the goal anymore

• How to mix business and life without losing either

• The mindset blocks keeping you from showing up

• And what really matters when it comes to social media success (hint: it’s not the algorithm)

Plus, we share personal stories about social media weirdos (yep, creepy guitars and all), burnout, taking a break from the scroll, and how to stay sane while still showing up online.

If you’ve ever worried that people will think you’re not “professional enough” for having a personality online—or you’ve found yourself spiraling about whether to blur your kids’ faces—this one is for you.

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• Modern Agent Marketing Girls Podcast Episode 9: Should You Have Two Accounts?

• Chelsea Petersen (past guest eps #123, 91, 12) & CEO of Modern Agent Social Club(You can always use code HUSTLEHUMBLY  to get a $50 discount when you join!)

• Shannon McKinstrie’s (past guest ep #274) “Good Content” Podcast

• Hustle Humbly episode #308 with Tori Sprakel on branding

Leave us a review at ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

Get your FREE Database Template 

Email Templates 101: emailtemplates101.com

Build Your Own Business 101: hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob

Agent Systems 101: agentsystems101.com

All Resources: hustlehumblypodcast.com

Submit your topic ideas and toasts to [email protected]

Music:

Straight A’s by Conner Price

The Good Life by Summer Kennedy

1. "You're not a business and then a person separately. You're a person who runs a business." — Alissa

2. "It’s not a content problem—it’s a mindset problem." — Katy

3. "People aren’t on Instagram to shop for houses. They’re there to connect, be entertained, and feel inspired." — Alissa

4. "If you're forcing yourself to post just to post, you're going to burn out—and no one will notice if you take a break." — Alissa

"The more relatable you are, the more people want to support you." — Katy

You’re standing in an open house, sweating in a blazer, and someone asks how many HVAC units are in the home. Cue the internal panic.

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most relatable questions we’ve ever received: How much do I actually need to know about houses to be a good Realtor? Spoiler alert: more than “I’ll find out for you” on repeat, but less than a licensed contractor.

Whether you're brand new or years in, this episode will help you figure out where the gaps are in your knowledge, how to fill them, and what your clients really expect from you.

We share our own early embarrassments (looking at you, open house meltdown), what we’ve learned along the way, and how we approach showing prep, including how much we know before we ever step foot in the door.

We’ll talk about:

• What to say when you don’t know the answer

• The key home systems and materials every Realtor should understand

• How we research and prep for showings and inspections

• The most efficient ways to learn about houses on the job

• What we do and don’t memorize before a showing

• Why attending inspections is better than reading reports

This episode is full of practical advice, permission to not know everything, and a little pep talk to go learn your product. Because you can’t sell what you don’t understand.

Take one hour this week and walk through a vacant home or attend an inspection. Ask questions. Learn what you don’t know. It’ll pay off in client confidence and better service.

1. “You can’t sell what you don’t understand.” —Katy

2. “It’s not about knowing everything. It’s about knowing where to find the answer.” —Alissa

3. “If you keep saying ‘I’ll find out,’ eventually clients will wonder what exactly you do know.” —Katy

4. “You’re not the inspector, but you are supposed to be an informed professional.” —Alissa

“Knowing your product builds confidence. And confidence builds trust.” —Katy

Leave us a review at ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

Get your FREE Database Template 

Email Templates 101: emailtemplates101.com

Build Your Own Business 101: hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob

Agent Systems 101: agentsystems101.com

All Resources: hustlehumblypodcast.com

Submit your topic ideas and toasts to [email protected]

Music:

Straight A’s by Conner Price

The Good Life by Summer Kennedy

Ever been asked—by a client or another agent—to cut your commission mid-deal? Or worse, right before closing? It’s happening more and more, and in this episode we’re sharing how to respond, how to prepare, and how to protect your paycheck without losing your professionalism (or your cool).

Inspired by multiple messages and agent stories, we’re diving into what we’re calling the age of commission cutting. We’re not talking about negotiating commission upfront—we’re talking about after you’ve already agreed to terms, done the work, and someone wants you to just... give some of it away.

We walk through real examples of buyer and listing agents being pressured into taking less, how to handle those phone calls in the moment (especially when you feel totally caught off guard), and why “just being nice” can cost you big time.

Whether it’s guilt-tripping, bad math, or a last-minute closing crisis, Katy and Alissa share how to protect yourself before it happens, why mindset and boundaries matter, and some super helpful scripts and phrases you can keep in your back pocket when you need to stand your ground.

You’ll also hear:

• Why commission is not part of the buyer/seller negotiation

• What to say when someone tries to guilt you into a cut

• The biggest mistake you can make when you're feeling bad for your client

• The difference between being kind and being a pushover

• How to do the math on what your time is really worth

Get ready for a pep talk, some wild stories, and practical advice on how to stop treating your income like a favor.

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• Episode 295: Why Buyer Agents Struggle to Get Paid

• Episode 232: Buyer Brokerage How-Tos

• Daryl Davis quote and article referenced

• Episode 296: Peaceful Partings

1. “You’re not a victim in a real estate transaction. You agreed to the terms—stand by them.” —Katy

2. “Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.” —Alissa

3. “Your commission isn’t a bargaining chip. It’s the price for the service you already delivered.” —Katy

4. “Be kind, but stand firm. Those aren’t mutually exclusive.” —Alissa

1. “I don’t need to pay you to stay in this deal. That’s not my job.” —Alissa

CTA: If this topic hit home, take a minute to revisit your buyer consults and listing presentations. Are you clearly outlining your value? Are your clients crystal clear on how and when you get paid? Don't wait until you're put on the spot.

Leave us a review at ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

Get your FREE Database Template 

Email Templates 101: emailtemplates101.com

Build Your Own Business 101: hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob

Agent Systems 101: agentsystems101.com

All Resources: hustlehumblypodcast.com

Submit your topic ideas and toasts to [email protected]

What happens when a client blindsides you and hires someone else? Or when your favorite sellers decide to "hit the button" on Zillow without you? In this episode, we’re talking all about how to keep your cool, preserve your relationships, and show up with professionalism—even when your heart gets broken.

We’ve all been there. A past client lists their home without calling you. A buyer you’ve poured into suddenly ghosts you. A friend uses someone else. Ouch. The gut punch is real, but what you do next matters even more than what just happened. Peaceful partings aren’t always easy, but they’re always worth it.

We’re chatting through real-life rejection stories (some from last week!) and how we’ve learned to navigate them with kindness, class, and a whole lot of self-talk. It’s not about avoiding hurt; it’s about choosing how to respond.

Here’s what we get into:

• How to handle the heartbreak of client rejection

• What to say when someone lists without you

• The power of the follow-up (even when you’re mad!)

• How to part ways professionally with a broker or team

• When to let go and when to speak up

• The importance of grace, gratitude, and not taking it personally

Grab a tissue, pour some coffee, and let’s talk about peaceful partings in all their messiness.

💬 Key Quotes/Takeaways

1. "It’s not about you. Nobody cares about you as much as you think they do." — Katy

2. "Rejection still hurts, even when you’re seasoned. But you don’t have to let it define you." — Alissa

3. "Gratitude builds bridges. You never know when your paths will cross again." — Katy

4. "Be so kind they regret not choosing you." — Alissa

5. "Leaving well is a skill. It reflects emotional maturity and grace." — Katy

Leave us a review at ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

Get your FREE Database Template 

Email Templates 101: emailtemplates101.com

Build Your Own Business 101: hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob

Agent Systems 101: agentsystems101.com

All Resources: hustlehumblypodcast.com

Submit your topic ideas and toasts to [email protected]

Let’s be honest: when was the last time you checked if your business systems were actually working?

This week, we’re giving y’all a special sneak peek into one of our monthly Hustle Humbly Community live calls, and this one was just too good to keep to ourselves. We did a full systems audit together and broke down the four core systems every Realtor needs to run a smooth, sustainable business.

Whether you’re overwhelmed by tech, struggling to follow up, or just wondering why things feel so clunky, this episode will help you figure out what needs to grow, and what needs to go.

Here’s what we covered:

• The 4 core systems in every real estate business

• What a working system actually looks like

• Why simple systems are the hardest to teach (and the most effective!)

• How to know if your system is broken or just neglected

• Our favorite tips for tidying up your email, follow-up, and database

We’re also sharing tools, strategies, and examples from real community members who joined us live—plus some laughs, real-life solutions, and that signature Hustle Humbly encouragement.

If your systems feel like a cluttered mess, come hang out with us for a little systems clean-up. ✨

Loved this systems chat? Join us in the Hustle Humbly Community to get access to all the monthly lives and resources! Head to www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/membership.

Upcoming Community Live: Thursday, July 24 at 1pm Central

💬 Key Quotes/Takeaways

1. “There is nothing more difficult than simplicity.” —Alissa

2. “Your system isn’t broken—you’re just not using it.” —Katy

3. “A system is something that remembers for you.” —Alissa

4. “Stop trying to make it perfect and just make it work.” —Katy

5. “Your inbox is not a storage unit.” —Alissa

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• Join the Hustle Humbly Community: www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/membership

• Trello & Free Trello training video: www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/trello

• RealtyZam bookkeeping tool for Realtors: www.realtyzam.com

• Skyslope / Dotloop / MLS tools

• QuickBooks 

Upcoming Community Live: Thursday, July 24 at 1pm Central

Ever had a mentor who ghosted you? Or a mentee who treated you like tech support? If so, you are in the right place!

This week we’re chatting about all things mentorship — the good, the bad, and the absolutely awkward. From horror stories of mentors who used their mentees as free labor, to sweet tales of life-changing support, we’ve got it all. And we’re not just telling our stories. Y’all sent in nearly 100 responses about your own mentor/mentee experiences — and we read every single one.

We dive into:

• How to find (or become) a great mentor

• What mentees get wrong (and how to fix it)

• Why boundaries matter more than ever

• How to know when you’re ready for a mentee

• Tips for respecting time, energy, and expertise

• What NOT to ask your mentor (hint: Google it first)

• Alissa’s story about “Workshop Wednesday”

We also chat about how mentorship evolves as you grow in your career, and why sometimes your “mentor” is really just your go-to industry friend.

Whether you're craving guidance or feeling burnt out from giving too much of it, this one’s packed with real talk and helpful insights. Mentorship doesn’t have to be messy.  Let’s get it right!

If you're feeling inspired (or exhausted) by your own mentor experience, send us a DM and let us know what resonated with you the most!

💬 Key Quotes/Takeaways

1. “Your mentor isn’t tech support. If there’s a tutorial for it, start there.” —Alissa

2. “Mentorship only works when there’s mutual effort and respect.” —Katy

3. “Don’t treat your mentee like your assistant — unless they are your assistant.” —Katy

4. “Sometimes the most powerful mentors are the ones you never officially asked for.” —Alissa

5. “If you’re asking five people the same question, you’re not looking for an answer — you’re avoiding action.” —Katy

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• Episode 17: What to Do When You’re New or Slow

CE classes, MLS tutorials, and brokerage training options

Leave us a review at ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

Get your FREE Database Template 

Email Templates 101: emailtemplates101.com

Build Your Own Business 101: hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob

Agent Systems 101: agentsystems101.com

All Resources: hustlehumblypodcast.com

Submit your topic ideas and toasts to [email protected]