Send a text

In this episode of the Realtor180 podcast, Shawn Kunkler, Founder of the Homeward Associates Group out of San Francisco, sits down with communication expert and author Antoinette Perez to explore how short, intentional communication can create outsized results in business, leadership, and sales.

Drawing from her book Tiny Talks Big Impact, Antoinette breaks down what makes communication effective and why saying less often leads to more trust, more clarity, and better outcomes. Together, they discuss the role of public speaking, persuasive communication, and presentation skills in real estate and beyond, including how silence, structure, and storytelling shape how people listen and take action.

This conversation covers practical strategies for:

• Improving communication skills in business and leadership
• Using short presentations to build trust with clients
• Strengthening sales communication and listing presentations
• Finding your voice as a speaker and facilitator
• Developing confidence in speaking without over-explaining

Whether you’re a real estate professional, business owner, or someone focused on personal growth and professional development, this episode offers actionable insights into how better communication leads to stronger relationships and better results.

📌 Get the book: Tiny Talks, Big Impact (link below)
https://www.rockontinyrebel.com/book

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

People can tell. And in this conversation, Julie Grace Burke explains exactly why.

In this episode of Realtor180, Shawn Kunkler, Founder of the Homeward Associates Group out of San Francisco, sits down with Julie Grace Burke, a top-producing agent in Greenwich, Connecticut, for a candid, no-fluff conversation about trust, reputation, and what actually works in real estate long term.

Julie shares why authenticity can’t be faked, why chasing price points often backfires, and how experienced agents think differently about branding, teams, coaching, and client relationships. This isn’t about hacks or scripts — it’s about judgment, consistency, and playing the long game in a relationship-driven business.

If you’re an agent who’s tired of surface-level advice and wants to understand how top professionals build trust, protect their reputation, and create durable success, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why clients and other agents can “tell” when something isn’t real
  
  
  
• The difference between strategy and authenticity
  
  
  
• Why reputation matters more than tactics in luxury markets
  
  
  
• How great agents think about teams, coaching, and succession
  
  
  
• What most agents misunderstand about branding and trust
  
  
  
• Why there are no shortcuts in long-term success
  
  
  

This conversation is especially relevant for agents who want to grow sustainably, work with higher-level clients, and build a business that lasts.

👇 If this resonated with you, subscribe for more long-form conversations with experienced agents who tell the truth about real estate.

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.virtualwithri

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

New agents are told to start with their sphere.

Call your friends. Reach out to family. Let everyone know you're in real estate.

But here's the problem: What if you don't feel ready? What if the thought of calling people you know makes your stomach turn because you're still figuring it all out?

Linda Bale, a North Texas agent, remembers that feeling well. And she's got a different approach, one that builds your confidence before you ever pick up the phone to call your sphere.

It's not what most brokers tell new agents to do. But it works.

In this episode Linda shares how she navigated the early days of real estate when imposter syndrome was loud, credibility felt impossible, and the pressure to "just start calling people" felt overwhelming.

Here's what gets unpacked:

• How to build your credibility from scratch
• The harsh truth about buyer expectations (hint: "you can't overcome a down payment")
• How experienced agents can help newer agents grow

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

What if the secret to scaling your real estate business isn't about working harder, but about building deeper connections?

Jennifer Vick has spent nearly 18 years turning relationships into a thriving business. She's figured out how to make business come to her instead of constantly chasing it. In this conversation, Shawn Kunkler, Founder of the Homeward Associates Group out of San Francisco, sits down with Jennifer, as she shares how she's acquired entire books of business through trust and systems, revealing the moment a client told her, "You were the first agent who didn't spam us."

We dive into the art of the "care call," building a client-first team without burning out, and why "family first" has become her competitive advantage. Whether you're scaling solo or building a team, this conversation will shift how you think about success in real estate.

This is the real talk about building a business that lasts!

In this episode you will learn:

• How to acquire and transition client books of business using trust and documented systems
• The difference between "care calls" and sales calls, and why it matters for client loyalty
• Strategies for building a client-centric team that doesn't lead to burnout
• How to move from chasing leads to attracting business naturally through relationships
• Why prioritizing family first can actually become your competitive advantage in real estate

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

What if the secret to massive growth isn’t grinding alone, but surrounding yourself with the right people? In the episode, Shawn Kunkler, Founder of the Homeward Associates Group out of San Francisco, sits down with Cheryl Medeiros, founder of the Inspire Her Collective, to unpack how intentional community building, authentic relationships and collaboration create opportunities that competition never could. Cheryl shares the origin story of her movement designed to connect and elevate female entrepreneurs, revealing why “peopling is hard” but absolutely necessary, and how showing up authentically by offering what you wish you had changes everything.

They dive deep into real estate negotiation tactics, why silence is one of the most powerful tools you can use, how visualization helps clients make better decisions, and why empathy and open communication build trust that lasts. From leveraging past experiences to creating systems that streamline your business, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies for agents who want to work smarter, not harder, and turn transactions into lasting relationships.

You will learn:

• How Cheryl built the Inspire Her Collective to support female entrepreneurs
• Why surrounding yourself with smarter people accelerates your growth
• The power of giving value without gatekeeping information
• How to identify and authentically connect with your ideal client
• Negotiation tactics that leverage silence visualization
• Why empathy transforms client relationship and repeat business
• Systems and teamwork strategies that reduce stress and increase efficiency
• How to manage expectations and maintain communication post-transaction
• Why collaboration beats competition in building a sustainable business
• The importance of being present and authentic in every interaction

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 waitl

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

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. ...