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, 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

📚 Resources & CTAs:
- 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 Lee Brown
- Book: *Boundaries* by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
- Free tools: [Agent Systems 101](http://agentsystems101.com) | [Email Templates 101](http://emailtemplates101.com) | [Free Database Template](https://www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/starthere)

Have a boundary strategy that works for you? Email us at team@hustlehumblypodcast.com and tell us all about it!

---
Want to build a business you love with boundaries that actually work? Start here: [hustlehumblypodcast.com](http://hustlehumblypodcast.com)

The truth is: buying or selling a house can feel like a full-blown identity crisis. Realtors know it, clients feel it, and now we have a licensed therapist here to explain *why* it all gets so emotionally messy.

In this episode we welcome Katy's former client and current number one referrer, Mary Ruiz, LPC. She's not just a real estate success story — she's now a licensed professional counselor (and a great one at that). We chat about the mental health rollercoaster that often comes with real estate: from renovations and relocations to the unexpected triggers that show up when people face big change. Mary shares why even competent, confident people often spiral emotionally during a transaction, and how *Realtors can support clients* without carrying the weight of everyone's emotions.

We're talking about therapy, boundaries, client meltdowns, and the emotional expectations people carry into real estate decisions. This is a must-listen for any Realtor who's ever felt like an unqualified therapist.

Here's what we cover in this episode:
- Why therapy and real estate overlap more than you think
- The mental toll of buying, selling, building, and renovating
- What neurodivergent clients may struggle with during moves
- Why confident people often break down during transactions
- Tips for helping clients regulate their emotions
- When (and how) to set boundaries with difficult clients
- Grounding techniques to use during emotional conversations
- What Realtors can do to protect their own mental well-being

💬 "The kindest thing you can do is tell someone the truth." — Mary Ruiz

🧠 Resources & Links:
- Learn more about Mary's practice: https://ruizcounseling.com
- Realtor Resources: https://hustlehumblypodcast.com/resources
- Join the Hustle Humbly Community: https://www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/membership
- Send us your questions or episode ideas: team@hustlehumblypodcast.com

—

Hustle Humbly is the go-to podcast for Realtors who want to ditch the comparison game and run their business with confidence, clarity, and a healthy dose of mindset work. Hosted by top-producing Louisiana agents, Alissa Jenkins and Katy Caldwell, each episode delivers real advice from real agents who have walked the walk.

Leave us a review → https://ratethispodcast.com/hustlehumbly

Get your FREE Database Template → https://hustlehumblypodcast.com/starthere

Email Templates 101 → https://emailtemplates101.com

Agent Systems 101 → https://agentsystems101.com

Build Your Own Business 101 → https://hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob

All Resources → https://hustlehumblypodcast.com

Submit your topic ideas + toasts → 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

What if you left your phone behind… on purpose?

In this episode we chat with top-producing Realtor Kim Lafleur, who did the unthinkable—she took a full-blown, out-of-the-country vacation *without* her phone. No calls. No texts. No Instagram scrolls. Just silence, sunshine, and serious boundaries.

Kim walks us through what inspired the decision, how she actually pulled it off (yes, there was a team hand-off at the airport), and the powerful lessons she learned about control, trust, and rest. If you've ever felt chained to your phone or scared to take a break, this one's for you.

Kim has sold over 655 homes with more than $121 million in volume and ranks in the top 10 of 1,900 agents in her market — and yet, she's living proof that your real estate business won't collapse when you step away. In fact, your boundaries might just make you better.

Here's what we cover in this episode:
- The surprising reason Kim chose to give up her phone
- The exact process she used to prep her team and clients
- Why NOT having her phone made her trip more meaningful
- How her team handled real estate emergencies (and even got new listings)
- What "the brick" is — and how it's changed her daily life
- Why letting go of control might be your next best business move
- Creative ways to set up support systems and reward the people who help you

🎧 Listen and get inspired to set stronger boundaries and maybe even plan a phone-free break of your own.

🛠 Resources & Links:
- Email Templates 101: [emailtemplates101.com](https://emailtemplates101.com)
- Build Your Own Business 101: [hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob](https://hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob)
- Agent Systems 101: [agentsystems101.com](https://agentsystems101.com)
- Free Database Template: [Get it here](https://hustlehumblypodcast.com)
- Submit your toast or topic idea: team@hustlehumblypodcast.com

—

**About Kim Lafleur:**
Kim Lafleur is a top-producing Louisiana Realtor and team leader 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.

—

Thanks for listening! If you love the show, here are 4 ways to support us:
1. Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode.
2. Share the show with a friend or on social media!
3. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify!
4. Join the Hustle Humbly Community or grab a resource from our shop.

—

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

Ever been blindsided by a cancelation that just didn't make sense? This week we're sharing a raw, real story about a transaction that went sideways—only to come full circle weeks (and $15,000) later.

In this episode, Alissa opens up about a recent experience with a buyer who backed out of a deal in the eleventh hour. What followed was a perfect storm of assumptions, zero communication, and a text message that dropped a cancelation bomb—with no phone call to discuss it first.

We're diving deep into the best practices & etiquette for Real Estate Cancellations: when you should call (not text), how to manage your client's emotions, and what happens when professionalism goes out the window. Spoiler alert: it cost the buyer way more than they expected.

This is your podcast therapy session and masterclass in cancelation communication all rolled into one. Because y'all, some deals really *can* be saved—with the right conversation.

Here's what we chat about in this episode:

- The shocking cancelation that inspired this story
- Stats on how often cancelations are happening (hint: it's more than you think)
- What *should* happen before a cancelation is sent
- Why a simple phone call could have saved the deal
- Handling emotional clients and managing expectations
- What to disclose—and when
- How to exit gracefully and protect relationships for the long game
- What happened when the *same* buyer came back
- Tips for co-op agent professionalism in tricky transactions

🛠️ *Resources + Links Mentioned:*
- [Episode 113: Be the Boss](https://www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/113)
- [Episode 255 & 24: Client Management](https://www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/255)
- [Episode 210: Buyer Consultation](https://www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/210)
- [Email Templates 101](http://emailtemplates101.com)
- [Agent Systems 101](http://agentsystems101.com)
- [Build Your Own Business 101](https://hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob)
- FREE Database Setup Guide: https://www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/starthere

Got a wild transaction story or need podcast therapy? Email us at team@hustlehumblypodcast.com.

——
**Hustle Humbly is your go-to resource for navigating a real estate business with confidence, clarity, and heart.** Hosts Katy and Alissa bring you proven systems, real stories, and the kind of encouragement you didn't know you needed. Tune in each week for new episodes!

## 🎵 MUSIC CREDITS
- "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

Sometimes you just need another agent to say what everyone else is thinking. In this Q&A episode, Katy and Alissa are answering the real-life, in-the-trenches questions Realtors are navigating every single day. We're talking client expectations, boundaries, broker advice that doesn't make sense, and what actually works in today's market.

When y'all send questions to our inbox, you never disappoint. And this batch covers everything from inspections to communication issues to luxury listings to motherhood to what we'd do if we didn't work in real estate. It's honest, funny, and full of practical advice you can use immediately.

Here's what we chat about in this episode:

• Should Realtors go to inspections (and why brokers sometimes say not to)
  
  

• What to do when clients break agreements or try to cut you out
  
  

• The triggers we use to stay on top of communication
  
  

• Whether you really need a second phone or Google Voice
  
  

• Email marketing: what actually works and what your clients don't care about
  
  

• What to charge when covering showings for another agent
  
  

• Rental property updates from Alissa
  
  

• And what job we'd take if we ever left real estate

Key Quotes & Takeaways

• "You're not the inspector just because you showed up. You're the professional who guides your client through the process." —Katy

• "If someone doesn't want to work with me, I'm not going to fight them about it—but I am going to enforce the contract." —Alissa

• "Most boundary problems disappear when you communicate like a professional from the very beginning." —Katy

• "I'm not trying to be right, I'm trying to be happy—and sometimes that means letting people be wrong." —Alissa

• "There is no such thing as an easy closing. That's why clients need us." —Katy
  
  

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• Email Templates 101: http://emailtemplates101.com
  
  

• Agent Systems 101: http://agentsystems101.com
  
  

• Hustle Humbly Newsletter: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com/newsletter
  
  

• Trello training inside Hustle Humbly Community
  
  

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
Get your FREE Database Template: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com/starthere
Email Templates 101: http://emailtemplates101.com
Agent Systems 101: http://agentsystems101.com
All Resources: http://hustlehumblypodcast.com
Submit your topic ideas and toasts 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

We've all heard the horror stories: buyers showing up to closing short on cash, or sellers shocked at their proceeds. Yikes. The truth? These moments don't have to happen — not if you're consistently using buyer cost sheets & seller net sheets.

In this episode, we're breaking down exactly how we use these powerful tools with our clients to build trust, confidence, and calm. And here's the good news: it's not complicated, it's just math + mindset.

We're talking through every single line item on a net sheet, what to include, when to deliver it, and how to tailor it to each unique buyer or seller situation. Whether you're a seasoned agent or brand new to real estate, this episode will help you become more confident when talking about money — and ultimately give your clients the clarity they deserve.

Here's what we cover in this episode:

• How to create a seller net sheet that builds trust
  
  

• Using cost sheets with buyers to avoid surprise expenses
  
  

• What to do when a seller doesn't understand closing costs
  
  

• Smart strategies for buyer offers based on actual numbers
  
  

• Handling contingent clients with dual net/cost sheets
  
  

• Becoming fluent and confident with money conversations

Key Quotes & Takeaways

• "If your client is surprised at closing, you haven't done your job." — Alissa
  
  

• "We use net sheets to keep our sellers grounded — and focused on the bottom line." — Katy
  
  

• "Every offer gets a net sheet. That's how we avoid emotional chaos." — Alissa
  
  

• "A buyer cost sheet shows them what's real — not just what they 'hope' it costs." — Katy
  
  

• "Don't avoid money conversations. That's where your value really shines." — Alissa
  
  

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• Episode 232: Buyer Brokerage: How To
  
  

• Episode 295: Why Buyer Agents Struggle to Get Paid
  
  

• Agent Systems 101
  
  

• Email Templates 101
  
  

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 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 team@hustlehumblypodcast.com

Music:

Straight A's by Connor Price

The Good Life by Summer Kennedy

Managing your sellers doesn't have to feel like herding cats — or losing your mind. In this episode, we're diving deep into seller client management and giving you the tools (and mindset) to confidently take charge of every stage of the listing process.

From deciding whether you even want the listing, to coaching your seller through prep, pricing, updates, negotiations, and closing — this episode covers it all. And yes, we even tackle what to do when your seller flat-out ignores your advice or refuses to clean up their clutter (it happens).

This episode was born from your questions — we noticed a theme: y'all are struggling with seller management, and we are here to help. We structured this chat to walk through each step of the seller experience, from first contact to final key handoff, with mindset reminders and real-world solutions for the most common challenges agents face.

If you've ever second-guessed whether to take a listing, worried about pricing too high, or stressed about communicating with a ghosting seller — this one's for you.

Here's what we cover in this episode:

• How to decide if you should even take the listing
  
  

• Why mindset matters more than you think
  
  

• Setting expectations around budget, prep, and condition
  
  

• Giving honest advice without hurting feelings
  
  

• Managing sellers during staging, photos, and price drops
  
  

• How to provide regular updates that actually work

Key Quotes & Takeaways

• "Ask yourself: do you actually want this listing? If not, it's okay to walk away." — Katy
  
  

• "We're not here to be doormats. You can be kind and still be in charge." — Alissa
  
  

• "Your seller only moves every 10 years. You do this every day. Be the professional." — Katy
  
  

• "The market will tell you what the right price is. Don't be afraid of the data." — Alissa
  
  

• "If you're not updating your sellers, they think you've disappeared." — Katy
  
  

Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• Episode 183: How to Sell a House
  
  

• Episode 276: How to Stage Your House
  
  

• Episode 73: Building a Staging Closet
  
  

• Episode 65: Contingency Planning for Buyers/Sellers
  
  

• Email Templates 101
  
  

• Transaction Checklists

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 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 team@hustlehumblypodcast.com

Music:

Straight A's by Conner Price

The Good Life by Summer Kennedy