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E14: “Real Estate Business Planning That Actually Works”
In this episode of Waking Up to Win, Annie Callaway and Chad Elledge blend real estate motivation, mindset coaching, and practical business planning to help agents move from busy to intentional. From choosing joy during the holidays to building a business rooted in purpose, they unpack why identifying your “why” is the foundation of sustainable success in real estate.
Drawing inspiration from Simon Sinek’s framework, they walk through how understanding your personal and business why shapes client relationships, decision-making, resilience during tough deals, and long-term growth. The conversation expands into real estate business planning done differently, breaking the business into core pillars like marketing, operations, and sales, setting SMART goals, and aligning daily, weekly, and monthly actions with those goals instead of chasing commission checks.
E13: "Why Relationships Still Win In Real Estate"
In this episode of Waking Up to Win, Annie Callaway and Chad Elledge dive into what it really takes to build a sustainable, relationship-driven real estate business in today’s shifting market. From mindset, affirmations, and the psychology behind law of attraction, to practical real estate strategies like pop-bys, client follow-up, pricing conversations, and managing difficult family dynamics at the closing table, this episode blends motivation with real-world coaching.
Annie and Chad break down why staying top of mind matters more than ever, how great agents win business through consistency and relationships, and why boundaries with clients, parents, technology, and even AI are critical to long-term success.
E12: "Real Estate Without Shortcuts: Growth, Referrals, and Industry Reality"
In this episode of Waking Up to Win, Annie Callaway and Chad Elledge dig into what it really means to grow as a real estate agent, personally, professionally, and financially, by stepping outside your comfort zone. From mindset shifts and business planning to knowing when to stay in your sandbox and when to refer business out, this conversation blends real-world coaching with honest industry insight.
They talk through why growth never happens in comfort, how smart referral strategies can protect your clients and add significant income, and why many Realtors leave money on the table by trying to do everything themselves. The episode also unpacks current real estate headlines and trends, including changes coming from the National Association of Realtors, MLS policy updates, housing affordability forecasts, cash buyer reporting requirements, and Zillow’s climate data controversy, all with a practical lens for agents navigating today’s market.
E11: “Buffini, NAR Updates & Realtor Reality Checks”
In this episode of Waking Up to Win, Annie and Chad dive into real-estate motivation, mindset, and the unfiltered realities of today’s shifting market, opening with a hilarious recap of late-night calls and the inspirational reminder that “everything seems impossible until it’s done.”
They break down what’s happening inside the real estate industry, from getting certified in Buffini’s 100 Days to Greatness referral-based program, to how accountability and consistent systems help real estate agents become top producers. They also share why referral marketing, coaching, and proper mentorship are more critical than ever. They unpack the latest NAR updates, MLS access changes, and policy shifts affecting Realtors nationwide, plus how government shutdowns impact FHA, VA, and USDA loans and why some agents still struggle to navigate post-settlement rules.
E10: "Your Buyer Deserves Better Info"
This week on Waking Up to Win, Annie and Chad break down the real conversations every Realtor needs today including business planning, market shifts, HOA surprises, agent mistakes, legal updates, and the mindset required to succeed. After a chaotic, funny intro (sick dogs, husbands, and the McRib), they dig into why “If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail” is the most important truth in real estate. You’ll hear how simple weekly planning and clear goals can transform an agent’s entire business.
They share real stories from their brokerage, clients blindsided by HOA rules, agents skipping research, buyers confused about lake rights, zoning, chickens, and ordinances. They show how quickly misinformation spreads and why great Realtors protect clients by digging into bylaws, restrictions, and development changes before problems arise.
The episode also covers major industry news: the Zillow lawsuit involving alleged RESPA violations, big brokerage mergers (Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Compass, Remax, Anywhere), and the shifting culture agents need to be paying attention to. Annie and Chad also unpack the debate around a 50-year mortgage and how affordability challenges are changing the path to homeownership.
E9: "From Miami to Mayhem: Realtor Lessons & Laughs"
In this episode of Waking Up to Win, hosts Annie Callaway and Chad Elledge return from Miami with big energy, plenty of laughs, and a fresh dose of real-estate insight. From their trip to Realty ONE Group’s Summit and what’s next for the company with ONE Talks and regional conferences, to hilarious stories about attics gone wrong, buyers falling through ceilings, and the latest industry headlines, this episode is a blend of chaos and clarity every Realtor will relate to.
Annie and Chad dive into the week’s top real-estate news, including Fannie Mae’s new credit-score changes, Zillow’s private-listing ban, and Anywhere & Compass’s merger, breaking it all down in plain language for agents who want to stay ahead of market trends.
E8: "Be Kind, Follow the Rules, and Don't Pull the Sign Early"
In this episode of Waking Up to Win, hosts Annie Callaway and Chad Elledge bring their signature mix of humor, honesty, and real estate wisdom to another week of chaos, closings, and lessons learned the hard way.
From weather woes and wedding weekends to unpacked boxes and hilarious sayings passed down from Grandma Gladys, this conversation proves that life, and business, are all about learning to let go and laugh through it.
The hosts dive into an outrageous real estate story involving a buyer’s agent gone rogue, a premature walkthrough, and a “contractor cameo” before the deal was even funded. Along the way, they share key takeaways every Realtor needs to remember: don’t be an ass, be kind, follow the rules, and for heaven’s sake, never pull the yard sign before funding clears.
As always, the duo blends humor and hard-earned lessons, weaving in the week’s biggest real estate headlines, from falling mortgage rates and rising inventory to the latest NAR reform discussions and the importance of pricing homes correctly in a changing market.
E7: "The Episode That Had Everything: Lien Waivers, Laughs, and Lessons"
In this hilarious and insight-packed episode of Waking Up to Win, hosts Annie Callaway and Chad Elledge, alongside producer Erin, dive into the real stories, real lessons, and real laughs behind life in real estate. From Annie’s unforgettable “fall heard around the parking lot” to Chad’s over-the-top sound system purchase, this episode reminds us that mindset and momentum matter more than perfection.
You’ll hear how the team turned a simple “One License, One Future” event into an inspiring opportunity for new agents to rethink their futures, and how they mix motivation with practical education to help people escape the corporate grind. Chad and Annie also break down key real estate insights: what to know about mechanic’s lien waivers, signing separately at closing, rising builder confidence, and the latest industry headlines. They also dug into Zillow pulling Matterport 3D tours to new AI tools for realtors, falling mortgage rates, and the Road to Housing Act shaking up affordable housing.
E6: "Hope Is Not A Method"
In this week’s episode of Waking Up to Win, hosts Annie Callaway and Chad Elledge tackle one of the hardest truths in real estate — hope is not a strategy. From pricing homes realistically to communicating with clients who don’t always want to hear the truth, this episode is a masterclass in what it means to lead with honesty, confidence, and kindness.
Annie shares how her affirmation of the week — “I have the courage to speak my truth and the heart to serve it with kindness” — applies to agents who struggle to have hard conversations with sellers, while Chad dives into how misplaced optimism and poor communication can cause listings to sit far longer than they should. Together, they explore how real estate professionals can stay grounded when the market feels shaky, offering unfiltered insight into what’s really happening behind the headlines.
E5: "Renters, Realtors, and Ridiculous Rules"
In this episode of Waking Up to Win, hosts Annie Callaway and Chad Elledge dive into what every real estate agent is talking about, the reality behind today’s housing market, the truth about buyer representation, and the future of the real estate industry as interest rates climb and inventory shifts. Annie and Chad bring their signature mix of humor, insight, and unfiltered coaching to hot topics like rising mortgage rates, AI-powered tools like Zillow’s new ChatGPT integration, and why so many buyers are still renting instead of building equity.
E4: “Market Shifts, Lawsuits & As-Is Chaos: Real Talk for Real Estate Agents”
Welcome back to Waking Up to Win with Annie and Chad, your go-to podcast for real estate motivation, high-performance mindset shifts, and practical coaching that moves you from stuck to top producer. This week’s episode is packed with powerful conversations around taking action now instead of waiting for “one day,” how to find clients anywhere, market headlines every agent needs to know, and some unfiltered real talk about the realities of contracts, inspections, and industry best practices.
From wedding season networking to unexpected client wins at the phone store, Annie and Chad remind us that today can be Day One. They break down the latest housing market trends — including interest rate updates from the Federal Reserve, rising mortgage rates, the impact of CoStar Group acquiring Matterport, leadership shakeups at realtor.com, and the lawsuit against Zillow by the Federal Trade Commission. Plus, they dive into how AI is shaping the future of real estate and what agents can do to stay ahead of the curve.
E3: "Real Estate Under Pressure: Compassion Acquisitions, Client Families, and Realtor Resilience"
On this episode of Waking Up to Win, Annie and Chad dive into the realities of being a real estate agent in today’s market, where patience and grace aren’t just affirmations, they’re survival skills. From handling first-time homebuyers with helicopter parents to navigating tricky negotiations, they share real stories that every Realtor canrelate to. They also unpack the breaking industry news about Compass acquiring Anywhere Real Estate for $1.6 billion, making it the largest brokerage in the world, and what that means for agents, clients, and the future of the realestate market.
With unfiltered honesty, they explore how to maintain professionalism when family dynamics complicate transactions, the importance of remembering who yourclient really is, and how big brokerage moves could reshape the way agents do business. Along the way, they sprinkle in humor, candid moments, and even a wild real estate headline that has to be heard to be believed (yes, 159,000 text messages).
E2: "Soda Wars, Zillow Lawsuits & Solving Client Problems"
Welcome back to Waking Up to Win with Annie and Chad, the unapologetically real podcast where real estate, mindset, and motivation collide. This week’s episode is packed with laughter, raw truths, and real-world coaching for agents who want to stop running ragged and start building a business that actually wins.
From hilarious soda-stealing stories to the serious realities of rising mortgage rates, housing affordability challenges, and messy brokerage promises, Annie and Chad pull back the curtain on what’s really happening in real estate right now. You’ll hear why selling homes isn’t about selling at all, it’s about solving problems, and how to stay focused when the headlines scream chaos. We even dive into Zillow vs. Compass lawsuits, home seller concessions, shady listing agent practices, and whether brokers should really be promising leads in the first place.
The big takeaway? Real estate isn’t about waiting on perfect market conditions, magical leads, or the right brokerage pitch. It’s about taking ownership of your business, staying solutions-focused, and refusing to let the noise distract you from your goals.
E1: "Lawsuits, Listings That Won’t Sell, and Owning Your Success in Real Estate"
Welcome to the very first episode of Waking Up to Win with Annie and Chad, your go-to podcast for real estate motivation, mindset shifts, and the kind of coaching that helps agents stop running ragged and start building intentional success.
In this debut episode, we dive into the current Compass vs. Zillow lawsuit, what MLS changes mean for real estate agents, and why transparency in listings truly matters for clients. We also share real stories from the field, including the challenges of selling a house that smells like cigarette smoke, what agents can really do to help their sellers, and how buyers actually react when strong odors or poor curb appeal get in the way.
Along the way, Annie and Chad unpack the truth about creating success one intentional move at a time, why excuses don’t sell houses, and how to keep your focus on clients instead of industry noise. From navigating smoke remediation costs to understanding seller options in today’s changing market, this episode is full of practical lessons and unfiltered real estate talk that every agent needs to hear.