Stay Paid Podcast Episode Summary: "Her Real Estate Clients Made Her Cry — So She Made a Show About It | Stephanie Xelowski"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Stay Paid Podcast
- Host/Author: ReminderMedia
- Episode: Her Real Estate Clients Made Her Cry — So She Made a Show About It | Stephanie Xelowski
- Release Date: June 16, 2025
Participants:
- Hosts: Joshua Styke and Luke Acree
- Guests: Stephen and Cody Smith from Acree Brothers Realty
- Special Guest: Stephanie Zalowski, a top-producing luxury realtor based in San Diego
1. Introduction to Stephanie Zalowski
The episode opens with Joshua Styke and Luke Acree introducing Stephanie Zalowski. Stephanie is highlighted as a distinguished luxury realtor in San Diego, renowned for her negotiation prowess and expertise in marketing and mortgage lending. With over a decade in the industry and a background in banking, she approaches each deal as a teacher, coach, and advocate for her clients.
Notable Quote:
"With over a decade in the industry and a background in banking, Stephanie approaches every deal as a teacher, coach and advocate for her clients." [00:16]
2. Stephanie’s Career Journey
Stephanie shares her professional journey, starting in the mortgage industry right after college in 2003. She worked for Countrywide until the 2008 economic downturn forced her to reevaluate her career path. In 2013, she relocated to San Diego, transitioned through corporate roles, and ultimately returned to real estate, where she has thrived for nearly a decade.
Notable Quote:
"I ended up leaving Phoenix, where I was born and raised, and moved out here to San Diego in 2013. Worked corporate for a couple of years, and then I got back into real estate." [03:34]
3. Creation of the "Behind the Lockbox" Podcast
Stephanie discusses the inception of her podcast, "Behind the Lockbox." Initially hesitant due to fears of low listenership, she decided to launch the podcast in 2021 amidst shifting market conditions and the aftermath of COVID-19. Her goal was to create a platform for networking, collaboration, and sharing authentic stories from the real estate field.
Notable Quote:
"This came out of... I needed something creative. I just kind of went all in. I started doing the research." [05:07]
4. Purpose and Content of the Podcast
"Behind the Lockbox" serves as a humorous and honest space where real estate agents share their wildest experiences, challenging transactions, and the often unseen aspects of their work. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of networking and collaboration, debunking the misconception that promoting fellow agents is short-sighted.
Notable Quote:
"The nature and center of it is really humor and bringing our agent friends together and just talking and laughing and having a good half hour, 45 minutes with each other to just... decompress." [07:34]
5. Misconceptions About Real Estate Agents
A significant portion of the discussion centers on common misconceptions about real estate agents. Stephanie highlights that many people believe agents simply "turn on lights, open doors, and get big paychecks," overlooking the intricate work and negotiation that occurs behind the scenes. She criticizes companies like Redfin for contributing to these misunderstandings by simplifying the agent’s role.
Notable Quote:
"There's a big overarching misconception of what we really do, how we get paid, and how much actually goes into it." [07:55]
6. Handling Difficult Clients and Setting Boundaries
Stephanie recounts a particularly challenging client who was verbally abusive during a transaction. This experience underscored the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing when a client relationship is detrimental. She advises agents to prioritize their well-being and not feel obligated to endure toxic interactions.
Notable Quote:
"If your client is treating you that poorly... you don't need to take it." [13:21]
7. Communication Policies with Clients
The conversation delves into strategies for managing client communications, especially after traditional working hours. Stephen Acree shares that sometimes urgent negotiations require late-night conversations, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of real estate deals. Cody Smith adds that flexibility is necessary, but it's also important to manage time effectively and set realistic expectations.
Notable Quotes:
"I'm negotiating the deal for us, me and my family at 9 o'clock at night because it's what needs to be done to get the highest price." [17:40]
"I'll always respond, but I might not answer the call. If you get a call at like 7 o'clock... I'll just text. I'll always respond back like, hey, I'll give you a call in an hour." [18:23]
8. Social Media Strategies and Content Marketing
Stephanie elaborates on her approach to social media, aiming to lead with authenticity and humor. She emphasizes the importance of integrating her personal Instagram with her podcast, creating cohesive content that resonates with her audience. Stephanie acknowledges the challenges of balancing educational content with relatable, personal posts and the exhaustion that comes with maintaining a consistent online presence.
Notable Quote:
"I want to lead with authenticity and humor. What you see is what you get with me." [25:30]
9. Tracking and Following Up on Social Media Leads
The discussion shifts to the technical aspects of leveraging social media for lead generation. Stephanie shares her methods for tracking social media interactions using tools like ManyChat and maintaining detailed records in her CRM. She stresses the importance of persistent follow-up, referencing Ryan Serhant's philosophy of continuous engagement until a lead is converted or explicitly declined.
Notable Quote:
"I will follow up with you until you tell me to go F off." [31:53]
10. Closing Thoughts and Action Items
As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to introspect on the expectations they set with clients, highlighting that clear communication and intentional boundary-setting are crucial for successful client-agent relationships. Stephanie and the hosts reiterate the importance of going above and beyond while maintaining personal well-being.
Notable Quote:
"What is the expectation that you're setting with clients? You need to be thinking about it intentionally." [38:20]
Action Item:
"Take action on what expectation you're setting with clients today." [38:41]
Connect with Stephanie Zalowski
Listeners are invited to follow Stephanie’s podcast, "Behind the Lockbox," available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. She can be reached under the name Stephanie Zalowski, spelled with an 'X.'
Final Quote:
"Please go and follow and support at Behind the Lockbox. We are on Apple, Spotify and YouTube." [36:43]
Conclusion: In this episode of the Stay Paid Podcast, Stephanie Zalowski offers an authentic glimpse into the realities of the real estate industry, the importance of honest communication, and the power of leveraging social media for business growth. Her insights, combined with the hosts' and guests' experiences, provide valuable lessons for agents aiming to elevate their professional practices while maintaining personal boundaries and well-being.