Podcast
The Better Agent Podcast
Hosted by Josh Lavik · EN
Welcome to The Better Agent Podcast, hosted by Josh Lavik, a high achiever, dreamer, and dad of 3. Josh shares the strategies that took him from 5 to 50 transactions a year. Each episode features actionable tips for real estate agents to boost production, streamline operations, and improve client experiences. Josh also answers audience questions and offers insights from his exclusive 21-day challenge. Whether you're starting out or growing your business, The Better Agent Podcast will help you build a world-class career. Tune in today!
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From $18K to $275K: How to Survive Your First 5 Years in Real Estate & Start Investing
3w ago00:31:30Tap to summarizeAre you a newer real estate agent struggling to find momentum and stay afloat? With 87% of agents failing in their first three years, survival in this industry requires serious grit. In this episode of The Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik sits down with Milwaukee-based agent Alexander Reid, who shares his raw and inspiring journey from making just $18,000 his first year to grossing over $275,000.Alexander opens up about the intense trials of his early career—including a painful breakup, couch-surfing, and navigating a brand-new market—and how he rebuilt his life block by block. Josh and Alexander discuss the power of sticking to a rigid daily schedule, the "leap of faith" required to hire your first assistant, and why you should never judge a client by their appearance or budget. Plus, Alexander shares his transition from agent to real estate investor, and the two commit to a live 6-month accountability challenge!🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik🎤 Featuring: Alexander ReidAlexander Reid is the Lead Wisconsin Real Estate Agent at The Reid Group, launching his career in 2016 and building his business through hands-on experience and mentorship. He works with sellers, buyers, and investors across Wisconsin, focusing on strategic negotiations, value-driven results, and long-term client relationships.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Surviving the Grind: How Alexander pushed past making just $18K his first year to eventually grossing over $275K.✔️ The Power of a Schedule: Why treating your day like a college athlete treats practice is the key to building massive momentum.✔️ Never Judge a Client: Why treating every lead equally—whether it's a $7,000 mobile home or a luxury listing—pays off in the long run.✔️ Taking the Leap of Faith: When and why you should hire a transaction coordinator or assistant to free up your money-making hours.✔️ Agent to Investor: How to leverage your industry knowledge to start flipping, house hacking, and building long-term wealth.🎙 Connect with Alexander Reid:🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidgroup/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/ReidGroupRE📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/reidgroupre/🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST:🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com
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The 50/50 Agent Partnership: How to Avoid Burnout & Fire Toxic Clients
Apr 3000:46:34Tap to summarizeAre you an independent real estate agent feeling the heavy weight of burnout? Trying to wear every single hat in your business is the fastest way to lose your momentum. In this episode of The Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik sits down with the dynamic real estate duo, Lori Stuber and Tanya Williams, to discuss the ultimate cure for the solo agent grind.After 15 years as a solo agent, Lori realized she was losing steam. Instead of quitting, she teamed up with her former client, Tanya, to form a highly successful 50/50 real estate partnership. They break down exactly how matching opposite personalities can skyrocket your business and save your sanity. Tanya also shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of the day she fired a controlling, multi-million dollar builder client—proving that your self-worth and time are infinitely more valuable than a toxic commission check. You will also learn the communication secrets that keep their pipeline full and why you must build a brand separate from your brokerage.🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik🎤 Featuring: Lori Stuber and Tanya WilliamsThe Lorri & Tanya Team: Lorri Stueber and Tanya Williams are licensed real estate brokers with Restaino & Associates Realtors, serving clients across South-Central Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. With decades of combined experience, they work with buyers and sellers across a range of properties, including residential homes, lakefront estates, and new construction.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The 50/50 Model: How partnering with another agent can instantly cure burnout and double your efficiency.✔️ Mirror and Match: Josh's top communication strategy for making clients feel truly heard and valued.✔️ Firing Toxic Clients: Why dropping a demanding, high-revenue client will actually help your business grow (and save your mental health).✔️ Agent-to-Agent Etiquette: Why ignoring calls and texts from other agents is destroying your reputation and doing a massive disservice to your sellers.✔️ Brand Yourself First: Why you must own your own email and website URL instead of relying on your broker's platform.🎙 Connect with Lorri & Tanya Team:🌐 Website → https://lorriandtanyateam.restainohomes.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/TeamLorriandTanya🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST:🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com
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The Property Management Advantage: How 20 Years of Experience Can Make You a Better Real Estate Agent
Apr 1600:25:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik sits down with Ann, a fellow Wisconsin real estate veteran with 20 years of experience. Ann shares her unique journey, transitioning from retail and property management into a successful real estate sales career.Ann explains how her "crash course" in property management gave her an incredible advantage as an agent. From understanding strict FHA housing codes and landlord-tenant laws to running interference between cranky tenants and navigating the eviction process, Ann knows exactly what to look for in a property. Josh and Ann also discuss the power of subtle branding, the art of striking up a real estate conversation in the grocery store checkout line, and why agents need to stop judging potential clients based on their appearance or price point.🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik🎤 Featuring: Anne YustAnne Yust is a Broker with Homestead Realty, Inc., bringing more than 15 years of experience in the Wisconsin real estate market. She works with military families, homebuyers, and investors across the Racine and Kenosha metropolitan areas.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The Property Management Edge: How managing properties and dealing with code violations makes you a better advocate for buyers and sellers.✔️ Mastering FHA Guidelines: Why knowing the nitty-gritty details of FHA and VA housing rules will save your deals from falling apart.✔️ The Art of the "Clincher": How to naturally bring up real estate in everyday conversations (without being pushy or salesy).✔️ Wear Your Brand: Why a simple branded jacket, name tag, or clever t-shirt is the easiest way to generate organic leads.✔️ Finding Your Niche on Social Media: How Ann uses her passion for rose gardens and landscaping to connect with first-time homebuyers.✔️ Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover: Why treating everyone with respect, regardless of their appearance or budget, is the key to building a sustainable business.🎙 Connect with Anne Yust:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/agentforeveryone📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/agentforeveryone🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-catherine-yust-agentforeveryone07b3168/🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST:🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com
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She Sells Homes—But Her Real Mission Is Saving Dogs - EP 43
Apr 200:40:07Tap to summarizeHost Josh Lavik sits down with Tiffany Drahonovsky, a real estate agent and investor based in the Greater Milwaukee area. Tiffany shares her unconventional entry into real estate—getting downsized from corporate sales right as COVID-19 shut the world down, only to dive headfirst into working for a massive real estate investing and wholesaling company.Tiffany breaks down how she analyzes a property, her strategies for setting correct seller expectations, and how she uses high-level psychology to write winning offers for her buyers. Josh and Tiffany also dive into why it's critical to tie your real estate business to personal passions—whether that is traveling the world, booking ski trips in the Alps, or rescuing and saving dogs!🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik🎤 Featuring: Tiffany Drahonovsky, Lucky Dog Real EstateTiffany Drahonovsky is an award-winning real estate associate with Coldwell Banker Realty, serving Southeastern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Franklin. With nearly a decade of experience, she has been named Wisconsin Salesperson of the Year (2023 & 2024) by the Jason Mitchell Group, is a recipient of the Chairman’s Circle Award, and was recognized among the Top 500 agents in the Milwaukee MSA (2025) by Real Producers Magazine.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Transitioning from a corporate 9-to-5 to wholesaling "stinky" properties during COVID✔️ Why real estate lessons are expensive, and how agents can help buyers avoid them✔️ The psychology of pricing: Why list price is just a "strategic invitation"✔️ How to write winning offers using odd numbers and FBI negotiation tactics✔️ The importance of setting expectations for sellers when a home doesn't sell✔️ Why "broker hopping" isn't always bad if you are seeking the right room for growth✔️ How to tie your business goals to personal passions🎙 Connect with Tiffany Drahonovsky:📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.drahonovsky📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tifunny72/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanydrahonovsky/🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST:🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com
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The CRM Strategy That Changed Everything for This Top Agent - EP 42
Mar 1900:32:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik sits down with Terra Beaver, a top-producing agent based in the Castle Rock Lake and New Lisbon area of Wisconsin. Terra shares her unique journey from working as a drug and alcohol counselor to building a thriving real estate business. The conversation dives deep into the turning point of her career at the four-year mark, explaining how getting serious about a CRM and building a consistent follow-up cadence changed everything.Josh and Terra also explore how to beat automated valuation algorithms with hyper-local market knowledge and how to build a profitable niche right in your own backyard. Finally, learn Terra's brilliant strategy of using preemptive "next steps" videos to calm client emotions during inspections and appraisals, ensuring smoother transactions from accepted offer to closing day.🎧 Host: Josh Lavik🎤 Guest: Terra Beaver, Real Estate Professional from New Lisbon, WITerra Beaver is a Real Estate Broker and co-founder of the Lakes Region Team at Fathom Realty in New Lisbon, Wisconsin. She specializes in waterfront and vacation properties throughout Central Wisconsin’s Lakes Region, including the Castle Rock Lake and Lake Petenwell areas. Since 2014, Terra has closed more than 200 transactions and was recognized as a 2022 Top Producer by the South Central Wisconsin MLS. 💡 What You’ll Learn:✔️ How skills from a career in counseling perfectly translate into real estate success✔️ Why local market expertise will always beat out automated online home values✔️ The four-year turning point: How mastering a CRM took Terra's business to the next level✔️ How to categorize leads and build a follow-up cadence so you never have to chase business✔️ Finding your niche by leaning into the market that is already in your backyard✔️ How to use proactive "next steps" videos to manage client emotions during inspections🎙 Follow Terra Beaver:📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/petmommarealtor/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/leavethehomeworktous/🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST:🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com
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The Power of Consistency and Philanthropy in Real Estate - EP 41
Mar 500:25:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Better Agent Podcast, host Josh Lavik discusses how real estate professionals can achieve long-term success not only through consistency but also by connecting their business to a higher purpose. Joined by Jake Johnson, a seasoned realtor from Southern Wisconsin, the conversation explores how giving back through philanthropy can motivate agents during tough times. Jake shares his journey from starting in real estate to hitting the five-year milestone, offering insights into his growth, daily habits, and the power of building relationships. Learn how small, consistent actions and community involvement can lead to extraordinary results in the real estate world.🎧 Host: Josh Lavik 🎤 Guest: Jake Johnson, Real Estate Professional from Johnson Creek, WIJake Johnson, known as “Jake with the Glasses,” is a top-producing REALTOR® with Real Broker based in Madison, Wisconsin. With just over five years in the industry, he has helped more than 100 families buy and sell homes across South-Central Wisconsin. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How philanthropy can drive your real estate business beyond profit ✔️ Why consistency is key in real estate, especially in the first five years ✔️ How to maintain focus on long-term growth while dealing with market ups and downs ✔️ The power of relationship-building and networking for career success ✔️ Jake’s personal tips on growing your business, from cold calling to leveraging video content🎙 Follow Jake Johnson:🌎 Website → https://www.jakeknowshomes.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JakeJohnsonKellerWilliams🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-johnson-37532722/🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST:🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com
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Brokerage Valuations & Growth Through Acquisition - EP 40
Feb 1900:35:54Tap to summarizeJosh Lavik welcomes brokerage valuation and M&A advisor Norma Rawlings to break down how real estate brokerages are valued and how brokers can scale through acquisition instead of slow, one-agent-at-a-time recruiting.They discuss cash flow multiples, agent value, luxury brokerage premiums, transition strategy, and why scale is increasingly necessary to compete. Norma also explains how a professional valuation becomes a growth roadmap — not just a number on paper.If you’re serious about building enterprise value in your brokerage, this episode is essential listening.🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik🎙 Guest: Norma RawlingsNorma Rawlings is a real estate professional with BrokerVMA and the co-author of The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling Real Estate Brokerages: 10 Steps to Success. She specializes in brokerage valuation, mergers, and acquisitions, helping firms navigate the financial and operational steps involved in successful transitions. Norma supports brokers and owners seeking clarity, structure, and strategic guidance throughout the brokerage sales process.💡 Key Takeaways:✔️ Valuations should educate — not inflate✔️ Cash flow + agent count drive brokerage value✔️ Transition strategy protects agent retention✔️ Recruiting through acquisition accelerates growth✔️ Scale improves tools, efficiency, and profitability✔️ A formal valuation creates clarity and leverage🎙 FOLLOW NORMA RAWLINGS🌎 Website → https://brokervma.com/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/norma-rawlings-00b089256/🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST:🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT BELOW!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com
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Real Estate Isn’t Hard: Systems That Stop Burnout and Scale Your Business - EP 39
Feb 500:41:37Tap to summarizeHost Josh Lavik welcomes Raegan Trimmer, Broker Owner at RE/MAX Preferred, for a practical conversation on building a real estate business that’s both profitable and sustainable.The big idea: real estate isn’t hard — it gets hard when you don’t have systems.They cover how to stop “starting from scratch” before every appointment, what to delegate first, how to avoid drowning in tools and subscriptions, why boundaries actually increase trust, and how to set goals based on real numbers — not random income targets.Raegan also shares how AI can speed up everyday tasks so agents can sell more homes in less time — without losing their sanity.🎧 HOSTED BY: Josh Lavik🎙 GUEST: Raegan TrimmerRaegan Trimmer is a Broker Owner at RE/MAX Preferred and a producing agent licensed since 2018. She previously helped grow and operate a real estate coaching and training company in Southern California, focused on teaching agents the operational side of running a real estate business.Today, she helps agents build systems, leverage support, and create sustainable growth strategies that reduce burnout and increase production.💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS:✔️ Systems reduce stress and prevent burnout✔️ Leverage help (TCs, assistants, automation) to grow faster✔️ Boundaries and expectations protect your time and raise your value✔️ Plan income goals based on the life you want to live✔️ AI can save hours when used intentionally🎙 FOLLOW RAEGAN TRIMMER:🌎 Website → https://raegentrimmer.realestatepreferred.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/raegentrimmer📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/raegentrimmer/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/raegen-trimmer-335b942b🎙 FOLLOW JOSH LAVIK & THE BETTER AGENT PODCAST:🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 DON’T FORGET TO LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND COMMENT!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com
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How to Thrive as a Real Estate Agent in Two States with Sheri Marie - EP 38
Jan 2200:33:49Tap to summarizeJoin Josh Lavik and Sheri Marie, a top real estate agent who balances business in both Wisconsin and Florida. In this episode of the Better Agent Podcast, Sheri opens up about her real estate career, working in two different markets, and how she incorporates luxury homes and new construction into her business. Learn about the evolving role of the agent, the growing impact of transparency and social selling, and how to stay ahead of industry trends. Whether you're a seasoned agent or a newbie, Sheri shares valuable advice to help you thrive in today’s competitive market.🎧 Hosted by: Josh Lavik🎤 Featuring: Sheri St. MarieSheri St Marie is a Broker Associate with eXp Realty, licensed in Florida and Wisconsin, with real estate experience dating back to 2003. Her work spans residential, luxury, new construction, and commercial real estate, and she partners nationally on commercial sales, private funding, and strategic partnerships through eXp Commercial. Sheri also serves as Co-Chair of the Florida Agent Advisory Council for eXp Realty, where she helps shape agent advocacy and growth at a national level.💡 What You’ll Learn:✔️ Sheri ’s journey from teaching to real estate and new construction✔️ How working in multiple states changed her approach to business✔️ The importance of transparency and ethical practices in real estate✔️ Why social selling is the future of real estate✔️ How new construction fits into luxury real estate transactions✔️ Sheri ’s tips for navigating difficult market conditions✔️ The changing role of agents in the face of new technology✔️ Valuable advice for real estate agents at every level📇 Connect with Sheri St. Marie:📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sheristmarie/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheri-st-marie-ms-%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%B8-8089b494/🎙 Follow Josh Lavik and the Better Agent Podcast:🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT below!⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – iconsofrealestate.com
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Real Estate Investing Tips with John Schneider - EP 37
Nov 2700:49:35Tap to summarizeJoin Josh Lavik and John Schneider in today’s episode of The Better Agent Podcast. John shares his 20+ years of experience as a real estate investor and agent. He reveals how real estate investing can enhance your agent business, why understanding property financing is crucial, and how adopting a hunter mindset can lead to success. Tune in to learn actionable strategies and tips for boosting your business and building wealth through real estate.🎧 Hosts: Josh Lavik – Host, Better Agent Podcast🎤 Featuring: John Schneider – Real Estate Investor & Expert John Schneider is a Real Estate Broker with EXIT Realty HGM in Madison, Wisconsin, and principal of JPS Holdings. With 16 years of experience, he has completed more than 100 transactions annually, including over $41 million in closed sales in 2024. In addition to brokerage, Schneider is active in local development and land-use projects, frequently representing clients in Dane County zoning and planning matters.💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How to leverage real estate investing strategies to boost your agent business ✔️ The four key benefits of real estate ownership: income, debt service, taxes, and appreciation ✔️ How to evaluate potential properties and maximize your ROI ✔️ The importance of mentorship in real estate ✔️ How to incorporate investor language into your business ✔️ Navigating uncertainty in today’s market while creating growth opportunities📇 Connect with John Schneider: 🌎 Website → https://www.livingamidwestlife.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/johnschnieder1/🎙 Follow Josh Lavik and the Better Agent Podcast:🌎 Website → https://www.joshlavik.com/📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joshlavikassoc📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jla_madison/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlavik🔖 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate – Icons of Real Estate
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