#703: The Truth About Listings, Standards, and Scaling in Real Estate

Episode Overview In this episode, John Kitchens, Jay Kinder, and Al Stasek dive deep into what it really takes to shift from agent to CEO in today’s unpredictable market. From revisiting hard-earned lessons with Kyle Whissel to calling out the rise of unethical listing practices, this episode pulls no punches. The guys break down why operating systems, high standards, and the right mindset are the foundation for scaling—and why most agents fail when they avoid the hard truths. They also unveil major updates on the Agent to CEO 2024 experience in Cleveland, including VIP perks, surprise speakers, and how to lock in your seat before it’s too late. If you’re tired of playing small and ready to run your business like a real CEO, this is your roadmap—and your wake-up call. Key Topics Covered Kyle Whissel & the Power of Standards What Kyle’s 5 takeaways reveal about building a high-performing team Why production without alignment is a long-term liability The difference between agreements and expectations—and why most leaders get it wrong From Agent to CEO: The Mindset Shift Why most agents are stuck in “appointment” mode The real shift: thinking in terms of hires, structure, and bottom-line growth How leadership begins with letting go of the wrong people Building with Systems, Not Hustle How CHSA, CHBA, and business operating systems create real leverage Why strategic planning and the Rockefeller Habits still matter in 2025 The difference between a sales event and a business event Exposing the Commission Culture Lie What top agents are saying about Compass and private exclusives Why limiting exposure hurts sellers—and kills trust A consumer-first script that crushes anti-cooperation listing tactics The MLS, Cooperation, and Seller Exposure 85–90% of homes sell through cooperation—so why are some still gatekeeping? Real-world examples of sellers losing hundreds of thousands due to exclusivity How to use the CHSA framework to win listings with logic, not fear The Real Estate Market Outlook Why 2025 is not a crash—but a correction The rise in inventory, consumer fatigue, and opportunities in new construction What modular housing means for affordability—and how investors are getting ahead Agent to CEO 2024: What You Need to Know Dates: September 24–25, 2024 Location: Cleveland, OH Tickets: HoneyBadgerNation.com or AgentToCEOCLE.com VIP Experience Includes: Front-row seating Private dinner with Cleveland’s top chef Exclusive mastermind VIP pass to the Rock the Spectrum concert Only 100 tickets available (80 GA / 20 VIP)—this will sell out. Resources Mentioned HoneyBadgerNation.com – Tickets, CHSA/CHBA, merch, events CHSA & CHBA Certification Systems – For mastering client experience and marketing Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg Crabtree The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz Scaling Up by Verne Harnish StoryBrand by Donald Miller AgentToCEOCLE.com – Full event details + ticket info Final Takeaway This isn’t about doing more. It’s about thinking differently. If you’re ready to stop being the technician and start being the CEO, this is the moment to shift gears. 🎟 Grab your Agent to CEO 2024 ticket now at HoneyBadgerNation.com. Nominate your Honey Badger of the Month and help us spotlight the agents doing the work, living the values, and pushing this industry forward. “You don’t have a business operating system? Then you don’t have a business. You have a job with overhead.” – John Kitchens Connect with Us: Instagram: @johnkitchenscoachLinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoachFacebook: @johnkitchenscoach If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥