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.

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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 team@hustlehumblypodcast.com

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