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What does it take to earn over 1,600 five-star reviews? In this episode, Shawn Kunkler sits down with Trisha Cook to break down the systems, service standards, and relationship-building strategies that separate good agents from exceptional ones. Trisha reveals how proactive communication, a rock-solid support team, and operational efficiency create the foundation for consistent five-star experiences that turn clients into lifelong advocates.

Trisha shares her approach to anticipating client needs before they even arise, why treating client relationships like genuine friendships changes everything, and the marketing strategies that provide real value instead of just noise. They tackle the realities of navigating challenging market conditions, the importance of understanding client fears and concerns with empathy, and why having systems and processes in place isn't optional, it's the only way to scale without sacrificing quality. From building a team that amplifies your strengths to continuously adapting and improving in shifting markets, this conversation delivers practical blueprints for delivering world-class service at every touchpoint.

You will learn:

• The exact systems behind Trisha's 1,600+ five-star reviews
• How proactive communication anticipates client needs before they ask
• Why building a strong support team is non-negotiable for five-star service
• Marketing strategies that provide value and strengthen client relationships
• How empathy toward client fears improves communication and outcomes
• Why continuous improvement and adaptation separate top performers

Subscribe for more insights, share your thoughts in the comments, and connect with us for future episodes about real estate, business growth, and more.

To join the Realtor180 Inner Circle waitlist please visit https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Special thank you to Andy Bovender and his team in the Carolinas for sponsoring this episode! https://bovenderteam.com/

Support the show

Join the Waitlist for the Realtor180 Inner Circle Group https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Are you a Real Estate Agent without an assistant, then bad news... You are the assistant. To learn more about getting the help you need click the link: https://virtualwithrisa.com/

About the Podcast:
Realtor180 is a weekly show dedicated to connecting you to top-performing agents nationwide to learn their insider secrets for succeeding on a massive scale. Each week we discover fresh marketing ideas, business strategies, and doses of inspiration to grow your business to the next level. More importantly, we will hear firsthand from industry experts about the pitfalls to avoid making along the way.

Hit that subscribe button now, grab a notebook, and learn that one thing that will help you turn your business around 180 degrees.

Watch the full episode on: https://www.youtube.com/@realtor180/videos

Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram @shawn__kunkler

For inquiries and collaborations, contact us at hello@homewardassoociates.com

Your host Shawn Kunkler is a licensed Realtor® in California DRE 01991440 and the founder of the Homeward Associates at COMPASS. ...

Send us a text

Discover how building genuine relationships, mastering negotiation, and delivering personal service can set you apart in real estate. In this episode, Shawn Kunkler, Founder of the Homeward Associates Group out of San Francisco, welcomes Alyssa Curran, for a real world behind the scenes look at what it takes to turn clients into loyal fans.

Alyssa unpacks her relationship first philosophy, the art of negotiation, and why honest hard work (and fun!) matter more than ever in today’s market. Learn how she exceeds expectations, handles the pressure of high stakes moves, and brings out the best in others whether she is coaching, selling, or marketing a home. If you’re seeking a less stressful more profitable real estate journey for you or your clients, Alyssa’s wisdom and actionable stories are pure gold.

You will learn:

• Why relationship building is at the heart of Alyssa’s process
• Practical negotiation techniques for getting results and win-win outcomes
• How to lead with service, not sales and win repeat business
• The mindset shifts behind exceeding expectations
• Tips on client care, staging, and the “extras” that set her apart
• Navigating online vs relationship driven transactions
• How to make buying or selling a home less stressful for clients and agents alike

Subscribe for more insights, share your thoughts in the comments, and connect with us for future episodes about real estate, business growth, and more.

To join the Realtor180 Inner Circle waitlist please visit https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Special thank you to Andy Bovender and his team in the Carolinas for sponsoring this episode! https://bovenderteam.com/

Get your social media, newsletter, and podcast assistance needs met at https://www.virtualwithrisa.com/

Support the show

Join the Waitlist for the Realtor180 Inner Circle Group https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Are you a Real Estate Agent without an assistant, then bad news... You are the assistant. To learn more about getting the help you need click the link: https://virtualwithrisa.com/

About the Podcast:
Realtor180 is a weekly show dedicated to connecting you to top-performing agents nationwide to learn their insider secrets for succeeding on a massive scale. Each week we discover fresh marketing ideas, business strategies, and doses of inspiration to grow your business to the next level. More importantly, we will hear firsthand from industry experts about the pitfalls to avoid making along the way.

Hit that subscribe button now, grab a notebook, and learn that one thing that will help you turn your business around 180 degrees.

Watch the full episode on: https://www.youtube.com/@realtor180/videos

Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram @shawn__kunkler

For inquiries and collaborations, contact us at hello@homewardassoociates.com

Your host Shawn Kunkler is a licensed Realtor® in California DRE 01991440 and the founder of the Homeward Associates at COMPASS. ...

Send us a text

Can you build a big real estate career, stay present with your family, and still take care of your health and mind? In this episode, Shawn Kunkler, the founder of the Homeward Associates Group out of San Francisco, sits down with Rory Golod to talk about calmness in high-pressure environments, the role of health and fitness in performance, and why mindfulness and meditation have become non-negotiable in his life and work.

Rory shares how a chief of staff helps him manage an intense schedule, how COVID-19 reshaped work dynamics, and why in person interactions still matter so much for building trust and relationships. From quick breathing resets to reframing what ‘meditation’ looks like. They explore practical ways to stay grounded while leading, selling, and showing up for people you care about.

They also dive into the personal side, learning music, playing guitar with family, and making space for passion projects that actually refuel work instead of competing with it. If you’ve ever felt torn between your calendar, your career ambitions, and your relationships, this conversation will give you real tools and reframes for healthier, more sustainable way to grow.

You will learn:

• How Rory stays calm and makes better decisions in high pressure situations
• Practical health and fitness habits that support performance, not just appearance
• Why COVID-19 changed work dynamics and what’s worth keeping from that era
• Realistic approaches to meditation and mindfulness beyond sitting on a cushion

Subscribe for more insights, share your thoughts in the comments, and connect with us for future episodes about real estate, business growth, and more.
To join the Realtor180 Inner Circle waitlist please visit https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us
Special thank you to Andy Bovender and his team in the Carolinas for sponsoring this episode! https://bovenderteam.com/
Get your social media, newsletter, and podcast assistance needs met at https://www.virtualwithrisa.com/

Support the show

Join the Waitlist for the Realtor180 Inner Circle Group https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Are you a Real Estate Agent without an assistant, then bad news... You are the assistant. To learn more about getting the help you need click the link: https://virtualwithrisa.com/

About the Podcast:
Realtor180 is a weekly show dedicated to connecting you to top-performing agents nationwide to learn their insider secrets for succeeding on a massive scale. Each week we discover fresh marketing ideas, business strategies, and doses of inspiration to grow your business to the next level. More importantly, we will hear firsthand from industry experts about the pitfalls to avoid making along the way.

Hit that subscribe button now, grab a notebook, and learn that one thing that will help you turn your business around 180 degrees.

Watch the full episode on: https://www.youtube.com/@realtor180/videos

Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram @shawn__kunkler

For inquiries and collaborations, contact us at hello@homewardassoociates.com

Your host Shawn Kunkler is a licensed Realtor® in California DRE 01991440 and the founder of the Homeward Associates at COMPASS. ...

Send us a text

Real estate is not a one size fits all. In this episode Shawn Kunkler, the founder of the Homeward Associates Group out of San Francisco, and Wes Collins get real about what it takes to actually build a business, lead a team, and survive a brutal first year in the industry. From firing and hiring to expectation and negotiation, this is an honest look at what works, what hurts, and what’s worth it.

They unpack the 3 key phases of a real estate career, learning, earning, legacy and how your definition of success will keep you evolving as you grow. They dive into team leadership, mentoring agents, setting clear expectations with clients and why collaboration will often take you further than competition. If you’re ever wondering whether you’re ‘doing it right’ this episode will help you design a version of success that actually fits you.

You will learn:

• Why Wes says this has been his best year in real estate and what changed
• The hard truth of hiring, firing fast, and training agents the right way
• How to set expectations with clients and team members to protect relationships
• The real phases of a real estate career
• Why there’s “no wrong way, there’s your way” when it comes to business structure
• How collaboration and mentorship can create bigger opportunities

Subscribe for more insights, share your thoughts in the comments, and connect with us for future episodes about real estate, business growth, and more.

To join the Realtor180 Inner Circle waitlist please visit https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Special thank you to Andy Bovender and his team in the Carolinas for sponsoring this episode! https://bovenderteam.com/

Get your social media, newsletter, and podcast assistance needs met at https://www.virtualwithrisa.com/

Support the show

Join the Waitlist for the Realtor180 Inner Circle Group https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Are you a Real Estate Agent without an assistant, then bad news... You are the assistant. To learn more about getting the help you need click the link: https://virtualwithrisa.com/

About the Podcast:
Realtor180 is a weekly show dedicated to connecting you to top-performing agents nationwide to learn their insider secrets for succeeding on a massive scale. Each week we discover fresh marketing ideas, business strategies, and doses of inspiration to grow your business to the next level. More importantly, we will hear firsthand from industry experts about the pitfalls to avoid making along the way.

Hit that subscribe button now, grab a notebook, and learn that one thing that will help you turn your business around 180 degrees.

Watch the full episode on: https://www.youtube.com/@realtor180/videos

Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram @shawn__kunkler

For inquiries and collaborations, contact us at hello@homewardassoociates.com

Your host Shawn Kunkler is a licensed Realtor® in California DRE 01991440 and the founder of the Homeward Associates at COMPASS. ...

Send us a text

In this insightful episode, Shawn Kunkler, the founder of the Homeward Associates Group out of San Francisco, and Candy Miles-Crocker delve into the complexities of the real estate process, highlighting the critical role of experience, client education, and managing expectations. Discover how effective communication, especially during home inspections and legal contract negotiations, can transform the client experience. Learn essential strategies for setting boundaries, creating structured schedules, and defining personal success to cultivate productivity and well-being in real estate careers.

From understanding emotional client journeys to navigating contracts across different states, this conversation provides actionable insights for agents at all levels. Whether working in luxury or everyday markets, these lessons emphasize trust, clarity, and respect as the foundations of long-term client relationships.

We discuss:

• The invaluable role of experience and client education in smooth transactions
• Managing expectations and navigating emotional home inspections
• Avoiding common transaction pitfalls through strong documentation
• Navigating complex contracts and legal language across states
• Building trust and prioritizing client relationships over transactions
• Setting boundaries and structured schedules for work-life balance
• Defining success and optimizing time management for long-term productivity

Subscribe for more insights, share your thoughts in the comments, and connect with us for future episodes about real estate, business growth, and more.

To join the Realtor180 Inner Circle waitlist please visit https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Special thank you to Andy Bovender and his team in the Carolinas for sponsoring this episode! https://bovenderteam.com/

Get your social media, newsletter, and podcast assistance needs met at https://www.virtualwithrisa.com/

Support the show

Join the Waitlist for the Realtor180 Inner Circle Group https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Are you a Real Estate Agent without an assistant, then bad news... You are the assistant. To learn more about getting the help you need click the link: https://virtualwithrisa.com/

About the Podcast:
Realtor180 is a weekly show dedicated to connecting you to top-performing agents nationwide to learn their insider secrets for succeeding on a massive scale. Each week we discover fresh marketing ideas, business strategies, and doses of inspiration to grow your business to the next level. More importantly, we will hear firsthand from industry experts about the pitfalls to avoid making along the way.

Hit that subscribe button now, grab a notebook, and learn that one thing that will help you turn your business around 180 degrees.

Watch the full episode on: https://www.youtube.com/@realtor180/videos

Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram @shawn__kunkler

For inquiries and collaborations, contact us at hello@homewardassoociates.com

Your host Shawn Kunkler is a licensed Realtor® in California DRE 01991440 and the founder of the Homeward Associates at COMPASS. ...

Send us a text

In this episode, Shawn Kunkler, the founder of the Homeward Associates Group out of San Francisco, sits down with Nathaniel Getzels to explore the unique challenges and opportunities within the ultra luxury real estate market. They discuss the importance of cultivating a client mindset focused on privacy, emotional connection, and authentic storytelling. Dive into the nuances of presentation and branding that resonate with high-end buyers and discover how the shifting landscape of wealth transfer impacts luxury real estate. From trust-building to authority marketing and the value of continuous education, this conversation covers essential strategies for succeeding in this exclusive niche, including insights on the allure of California living.

We discuss:

• Understanding ultra luxury clientele and their mindset
• Privacy, discretion, and emotional connection in sales
• Storytelling and branding for high-end properties
• The evolving wealth transfer and its effects on the market
• Trust, referrals, and authority marketing essentials
• The importance of specialization and continuous learning
• Innovations in luxury real estate and California’s appeal

Subscribe for more insights, share your thoughts in the comments, and connect with us for future episodes about real estate, business growth, and more.

To join the Realtor180 Inner Circle waitlist please visit https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Special thank you to Andy Bovender and his team in the Carolinas for sponsoring this episode! https://bovenderteam.com/

Get your social media, newsletter, and podcast assistance needs met at https://www.virtualwithrisa.com/

Support the show

Join the Waitlist for the Realtor180 Inner Circle Group https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Are you a Real Estate Agent without an assistant, then bad news... You are the assistant. To learn more about getting the help you need click the link: https://virtualwithrisa.com/

About the Podcast:
Realtor180 is a weekly show dedicated to connecting you to top-performing agents nationwide to learn their insider secrets for succeeding on a massive scale. Each week we discover fresh marketing ideas, business strategies, and doses of inspiration to grow your business to the next level. More importantly, we will hear firsthand from industry experts about the pitfalls to avoid making along the way.

Hit that subscribe button now, grab a notebook, and learn that one thing that will help you turn your business around 180 degrees.

Watch the full episode on: https://www.youtube.com/@realtor180/videos

Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram @shawn__kunkler

For inquiries and collaborations, contact us at hello@homewardassoociates.com

Your host Shawn Kunkler is a licensed Realtor® in California DRE 01991440 and the founder of the Homeward Associates at COMPASS. ...

Send us a text

Join Shawn Kunkler, the founder of the Homeward Associates Group out of San Francisco, Susie Adamson, and Tim Angel as they dive into the challenges and growth opportunities in Tim's real estate business. This episode explores how networking, creative marketing, and building systems are essential for success. Discover how Tim leverages relationships, delegation, and his musical background to stand out and overcome obstacles in a growing business.

We discuss:

• Tim’s journey and business growth
• Networking and the impact of retreats
• Building strong client relationships
• Creative marketing strategies (including music)
• Efficiency, systems, and time management
• The role of delegation and hiring an assistant
• Evaluating admin performance and team fit
• Maintaining client connections for long-term growth

Subscribe for more insights, share your thoughts in the comments, and connect with us for future episodes about real estate, business growth, and more.

To join the Realtor180 Inner Circle waitlist please visit https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Special thank you to Andy Bovender and his team in the Carolinas for sponsoring this episode! https://bovenderteam.com/

Get your social media, newsletter, and podcast assistance needs met at https://www.virtualwithrisa.com/

Support the show

Join the Waitlist for the Realtor180 Inner Circle Group https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Are you a Real Estate Agent without an assistant, then bad news... You are the assistant. To learn more about getting the help you need click the link: https://virtualwithrisa.com/

About the Podcast:
Realtor180 is a weekly show dedicated to connecting you to top-performing agents nationwide to learn their insider secrets for succeeding on a massive scale. Each week we discover fresh marketing ideas, business strategies, and doses of inspiration to grow your business to the next level. More importantly, we will hear firsthand from industry experts about the pitfalls to avoid making along the way.

Hit that subscribe button now, grab a notebook, and learn that one thing that will help you turn your business around 180 degrees.

Watch the full episode on: https://www.youtube.com/@realtor180/videos

Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram @shawn__kunkler

For inquiries and collaborations, contact us at hello@homewardassoociates.com

Your host Shawn Kunkler is a licensed Realtor® in California DRE 01991440 and the founder of the Homeward Associates at COMPASS. ...

Send us a text

To join the Realtor180 Inner Circle waitlist please visit https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Special thank you to Andy Bovender and his team in the Carolinas for sponsoring this episode! https://bovenderteam.com/

Get your social media, newsletter, and podcast assistance needs met at https://www.virtualwithrisa.com/

In this episode, Shawn Kunkler sits down with Zac Nelson to uncover what really drives success in real estate sales today. From storytelling that connects with clients to mastering personality-driven communication, this conversation dives deep into the skills agents need to thrive in a competitive market.

We discuss:

• Why building trust matters more than scripts or hard selling
  
  
• How the apprenticeship model shapes successful real estate careers
  
  
• The role of video content & social proof in establishing authority
  
  
• Why AI tools and innovative strategies are changing real estate marketing forever
  
  
• The importance of planning, preparation, and proactive communication for sellers
  
  
• Balancing personal growth, mastermind learning, and outdoor activities for a sustainable career
  
  

Whether you’re a new agent trying to stand out, a seasoned realtor exploring AI-driven marketing, or just curious about where real estate is headed, this conversation is packed with insights, practical takeaways, and some surprising truths.

Support the show

Join the Waitlist for the Realtor180 Inner Circle Group https://www.realtor180.com/connect-with-us

Are you a Real Estate Agent without an assistant, then bad news... You are the assistant. To learn more about getting the help you need click the link: https://virtualwithrisa.com/

About the Podcast:
Realtor180 is a weekly show dedicated to connecting you to top-performing agents nationwide to learn their insider secrets for succeeding on a massive scale. Each week we discover fresh marketing ideas, business strategies, and doses of inspiration to grow your business to the next level. More importantly, we will hear firsthand from industry experts about the pitfalls to avoid making along the way.

Hit that subscribe button now, grab a notebook, and learn that one thing that will help you turn your business around 180 degrees.

Watch the full episode on: https://www.youtube.com/@realtor180/videos

Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram @shawn__kunkler

For inquiries and collaborations, contact us at hello@homewardassoociates.com

Your host Shawn Kunkler is a licensed Realtor® in California DRE 01991440 and the founder of the Homeward Associates at COMPASS. ...