Stay Paid Podcast: She Drove Uber to Survive the Market—Now She’s a Top Agent Again (Renee Burke)
Release Date: April 28, 2025
Hosts: Luke Acree and Joshua Stike
Guest: Renee Burke, Top-Producing Real Estate Agent, Arizona
Episode Duration: Approximately 32 minutes
Introduction to Renee Burke [02:27]
In this inspiring episode of the Stay Paid Podcast, hosts Luke Acree and Joshua Stike welcome Renee Burke, a top-producing real estate agent from Arizona known as the "Real Estate Home CEO." Renee shares her remarkable journey from struggling in a challenging market to overcoming obstacles by driving for Uber and ultimately reclaiming her status as a leading agent.
Renee's Journey in Real Estate [02:37 - 07:16]
Renee begins by recounting how she discovered the Stay Paid Podcast in 2019 through a promotional postcard. Initially, her entry into real estate was unconventional; she didn't follow the typical path of cultivating relationships from the start. Instead, her husband, an aspiring home flipper, "threw her down the stairs" into real estate, making him her sole client initially. This led to early success, closing 18 homes in her first year. However, as the home-flipping business became less profitable, Renee had to seek her own clients, leading to significant challenges.
Notable Quote:
Renee Burke [04:14]: "I was really struggling with getting my own clients and because I was working in a company... I didn't know what to do with real estate."
Challenges Faced During Market Downturn [10:19]
Renee discusses the difficulties she faced in a tough real estate market exacerbated by rising interest rates and unrealistic home pricing strategies from the previous years. As the market shifted, she found herself needing additional income to meet financial commitments, which led her to take an unexpected step—driving for Uber.
Notable Quote:
Renee Burke [10:19]: "I am just going to use my vehicle as my way that I am meeting people, connecting people."
Driving for Uber: A Strategic Move [07:16 - 14:04]
To stay afloat, Renee began driving Uber, using her vehicle as a networking tool. She strategically displayed her real estate brochures in her car, creating opportunities to connect with influential individuals. This endeavor led to meaningful interactions, including a memorable encounter with Tom Maynard, CTO of ReMax, which culminated in a personal phone call from Nick Daley, CEO of ReMax.
Notable Quotes:
Renee Burke [13:07]: "I met the catching coach of the Chicago Cubs... and then the CTO of ReMax."
Renee Burke [14:49]: "I got a call from Nick Daley, the CEO of ReMax, personally encouraging me to stay with the business."
Impact of Networking and Serendipitous Connections [14:03 - 16:26]
The unexpected phone call from Nick Daley was a pivotal moment for Renee, reinforcing her commitment to her real estate career despite the hardships. This encounter highlighted the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining authentic relationships.
Notable Quote:
Renee Burke [15:22]: "Nick Bailey, the CEO of ReMax, took the time to call me... it was the coolest thing."
Investing in Coaching and Personal Growth [16:26 - 21:56]
Renee emphasizes the significance of investing in herself through coaching, specifically with Tom Ferry. She credits this investment with revitalizing her business strategies, enhancing her productivity, and instilling a sense of accountability. Renee shares an experience where she took full responsibility for missing a coaching session, which reinforced her dedication to continuous improvement.
Notable Quote:
Renee Burke [20:24]: "I just had to take full responsibility. I owned it and I took responsibility for it."
The Power of Relationship Building [21:56 - 28:32]
The discussion shifts to the importance of building genuine relationships in real estate. Renee shares her philosophy of helping others without expecting immediate returns, fostering authentic connections that eventually lead to business growth. Hosts and guests agree that adding value and maintaining consistent, meaningful interactions are key to standing out in a competitive market.
Notable Quotes:
Stephen Acre [25:40]: "Look to just add value and build your relationship with people with nothing in return."
Luke Acree [26:02]: "If you can touch base with people in the off moments, that's when you actually stand out."
Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways [28:32 - 31:05]
Renee reflects on her journey, highlighting lessons of humility, persistence, and the importance of continuous learning. She reinforces the idea that top producers succeed by taking actionable steps, maintaining humility, and consistently adding value to their relationships.
Notable Quotes:
Luke Acree [31:12]: "The difference between top producers and mediocre producers is top producers take action. So give hope to somebody today. Go take action on that."
Conclusion and Action Items [31:12 - 32:25]
In closing, Renee provides her contact information and encourages listeners to connect with her through social media and direct communication. The hosts reiterate the episode's key messages about the importance of building authentic relationships, investing in personal growth, and maintaining resilience in the face of challenges.
Actionable Advice:
- Hope: Help one person every day.
- Take Action: Reach out to your network in meaningful ways beyond superficial interactions.
- Invest in Yourself: Seek coaching and continuous education to enhance your skills and accountability.
Final Notable Quote:
Luke Acree [31:48]: "Give hope to somebody today. Go take action on that."
Connect with Renee Burke
- Instagram: @homeceoburke
- Phone: 303-995-3567
- Tagline: Celebrating Every Opportunity
Committed to Excellent Outcomes
This episode of the Stay Paid Podcast offers a compelling narrative of resilience and strategic relationship-building in the real estate industry. Renee Burke's story serves as a testament to the power of persistence, authentic connections, and continuous self-improvement in achieving and maintaining success.