Advertise on podcast: Real Estate Elevated with Cheryl Knowlton, CSP

A home's appeal may be about more than its price and photos. Real estate intuitive Pam Vitaz shares how she brings energy work into the selling process and why trusting intuition can help agents and clients navigate a move.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Pam Vitaz discuss: The Hestia House Method and energy clearing What "stuck" homes can feel like Intuition in real estate practice  Buyer choice, fair housing, and agent advocacy Remote clearings, the book, and self-guided resources    Key Takeaways: Approach unfamiliar ideas and methods with curiosity and an open mind, giving yourself the opportunity to explore their potential while allowing others the freedom to decide whether they align with their own needs and perspectives. A home can hold emotional associations and routines; noticing how a space feels may be useful when helping clients navigate a sale. Intuition can inform a real estate conversation, but the buyer's choice remains theirs. An agent's value goes beyond finding the right property; it includes advocating for clients' best interests, negotiating favorable terms, guiding important decisions, and continually developing expertise to deliver exceptional service. Curiosity and self-trust can help people make decisions that feel more aligned with their needs.   "I don't think this is the right house, but obviously it's your choice. We're not here to talk our buyers and sellers out of doing things, but to present the best options for them as we know." -Pam Vitaz About the guest, Pam Vitaz: Pam Vitaz is the founder of the Hestia House Method and author of *The House Whisperer*. With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of real estate and energy medicine, she helps Realtors® sharpen their intuition and turn their instincts into practical, repeatable skills. Her signature approach, Identify → Clear → Align, focuses on uncovering and clearing energetic blocks in properties to support smoother transactions and more confident decisions. Through her Fieldwork Facilitator Certification, Pam trains real estate professionals to recognize, trust, and apply their intuition in their everyday practice. She empowers agents to move beyond gut feelings, better understand the energy of a space, and gain a distinctive edge in a competitive market.   Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.   Get your FREE copy of Making it in Real Estate: Real Estate Elevated - Making It In Real Estate 3rd Edition Audio Book   Connect with Pam Vitaz: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamvitaz/  Website: https://www.pamvitaz.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamvitaz/    CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What does it take to keep showing up, even when life takes an unexpected turn? In this inspiring episode of Real Estate Elevated, Lisa Crosby-Torres shares the lessons behind a remarkable journey, from leading brokerages through major challenges to building a business rooted in hope, integrity, and service.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Lisa Crosby-Torres discuss: Leading through brokerage crises and change Resilience through personal and professional transitions Coaching, mindset, and agent growth Relationship-driven real estate in Hawaii Volunteer leadership and industry service    Key Takeaways: Let a clear guiding principle shape how you lead, serve clients, and build a business. Personal responsibility is not the same as blame; focus on what you can control and how you respond. A great coach helps people recognize blind spots and opportunities they might not see on their own, then shares that perspective with care and clarity so they feel encouraged, confident, and inspired to take meaningful action. Understand the market you serve, but don't let market conditions dictate your mindset or business plan. Build your business around the life you genuinely want to live and move toward that vision with consistent, intentional actions that reflect your priorities, values, and goals.   "You've got to realize you're their rearview mirror and their side view mirrors. Like you see things they don't see, and then how do you deliver that in a way that doesn't shut them down but inspires them?" - Lisa Crosby-Torres   About the guest, Lisa Crosby-Torres: Lisa Crosby-Torres is an accomplished real estate professional, property manager, coach, and executive leader with extensive experience in real estate sales, brokerage management, and professional development. After building a successful career as a top-producing agent and brokerage leader in the San Francisco Bay Area, she returned to Hawaii in 2017, where she led coaching and training programs for two of the state's largest brokerages. In 2023, she founded Manaolana Realty, focusing on real estate sales and property management, alongside her coaching and litigation support services. A dedicated industry leader, Lisa has served in leadership roles with several REALTOR® associations, including as President of the Sunnyvale Board of Realtors, and currently contributes to the Hawaii Association of Realtors® Standard Forms Committee. She is set to become Regional Director for Windward Oahu and North Shore in 2027. Throughout her career, she has helped improve organizational profitability, increase agent productivity, and elevate professional standards. Guided by her philosophy of leaving people, organizations, and places better than she found them, Lisa remains committed to empowering clients, agents, and communities.   Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.   Get your FREE copy of Making it in Real Estate: Real Estate Elevated - Making It In Real Estate 3rd Edition Audio Book   Connect with Lisa Crosby-Torres: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacrosbytorres/  Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/lisa.crosby.torres/?_rdc=1&_rdr#  Email: [email protected]  Phone: 808-321-7441      CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Are "realistic" goals keeping your business too small? Verl Workman challenges conventional goal-setting, shares his four-pillar approach to income, and explains how to build a team that lets your business grow beyond you. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Verl Workman discuss: Leveraging relationship capital Building a vision-driven business Specializing and creating leverage Setting ambitious, unrealistic goals Developing a culture of accountability and productivity   Key Takeaways: Cultivating strong relationships and making deposits in others' lives can create a powerful network of support when you need it most.  When you can articulate this vision and invite others to be a part of it, you unlock the potential for exponential growth and legacy-building. In a competitive market, being a generalist is a recipe for mediocrity. Conventional wisdom around "SMART" goals can be limiting; instead, challenge yourself to set goals that seem unrealistic, as this forces you to think and act differently, ultimately driving greater success.  Fostering an environment where accountability is a choice, not an imposition, is key to building a high-performing team.   "Accountability is love. It's not something you do to someone because you want to make them do something they don't want to do. It's that you love them so much that you know that that behavior is going to be destructive for their life, their business, their growth." - Verl Workman About the guest, Verl Workman: Verl Workman is the Founder and CEO of Workman Success Systems, a renowned business coach, speaker, and consultant. With over 18 years of public speaking experience, he specializes in sales training, real estate marketing, and leveraging technology for peak performance. Verl has trained and motivated countless real estate agents and brokers, helping them achieve real results. As a seasoned entrepreneur and business owner, he excels in sales strategy, broker consulting, and keynote speaking.   Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.   Get your FREE copy of Making it in Real Estate: Real Estate Elevated - Making It In Real Estate 3rd Edition Audio Book    Connect with Verl Workman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verlworkman/  Website: https://workmansuccess.com/who-we-are/      CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

The stories we tell ourselves can shape our choices, work, and relationships long after the original hurt has passed. Discover a four-step framework for recognizing those stories—and choosing what comes next.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton discusses: The Enneagram as a mirror for underlying motivations Adoption, childhood experiences, and identity How protective stories can limit real estate professionals The REAL framework: Recognize, Examine, Accept, Live Authenticity, client trust, and team leadership   Key Takeaways: The Enneagram focuses on the motivation beneath behavior—not just what someone does. A story that once helped you feel safe can keep shaping your choices long after the danger has passed. Recognizing the first thought that surfaces when something goes wrong can reveal a recurring story. Change begins with curiosity and acceptance, not shame or rushing to "fix" yourself. One small action aligned with a new story can help build more authentic relationships and stronger client trust.   "When you're running an old story, you're performing. You're protecting yourself instead of serving your clients."  - Cheryl Knowlton   Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.   Get your FREE copy of Making it in Real Estate: Real Estate Elevated - Making It In Real Estate 3rd Edition Audio Book   CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

When high performers start accepting exhaustion as the cost of success, their bodies keep the score. In this episode, you'll learn why "normal" lab results can still leave you exhausted, and what it really takes to rebuild energy, hormones, and joy so you can win in business without running yourself into the ground.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dr. Todd Cameron discuss: Pandemic-level declines in T3 and testosterone Standard American diet, insulin resistance, and hidden carbs The difference between "normal" and "optimal" lab ranges Thyroid, hormone testing, and why so many people are misdiagnosed Adrenal exhaustion, stress, and the non-negotiable need for real rest   Key Takeaways: Feeling constantly tired, foggy, and unmotivated is often a sign of low T3 and testosterone, not just "getting older" or needing better boundaries. The standard American diet is engineered around high carbohydrates and low fat, driving insulin resistance, weight gain, and hidden visceral fat, even in people who don't "eat that badly." "Normal" lab ranges are based on population averages, not on what helps humans thrive. Most conventional thyroid and hormone panels are incomplete, which means many people are told they're fine while reverse T3, free T3, or free testosterone are quietly sabotaging their energy. Chronic stress and overwork can push people into adrenal insufficiency and even adrenal exhaustion; truly recovering requires rest, boundaries, and a willingness to step back before the crash.   "What we can do as individuals is decide how we're going to respond to the stress versus having the stress drive us into a reactive mode." - Dr. Todd Cameron   About the guest, Dr. Todd Cameron: Dr. Todd Cameron is a Naturopathic physician and co-founder of Cameron Wellness and Spa in Salt Lake City, UT. He has more than 26 years of experience providing alternative medicine to treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. Dr. Cameron holds a deep respect for conventional medicine and recognizes that while it is often necessary, it is not the only solution. In 1997, he founded the Cameron Wellness and Spa with the goal of giving individuals a positive choice in their healthcare through natural alternatives for treatment. Dr. Cameron works closely with each patient and creates individualized treatment strategies that address their total health and well-being. He is dedicated to providing a safe, healing oasis where patients can receive the care they need.   Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.   Get your FREE copy of Making it in Real Estate: Real Estate Elevated - Making It In Real Estate 3rd Edition Audio Book   Connect with Dr. Todd Cameron: Website: https://cameronwellnessandspa.com/about/dr-cameron  Address: 3378 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 Phone: (801) 486-4226 Email: [email protected]      CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Veteran developer John McNellis went from courtroom to construction, surviving recessions, overpaying, and a near-foreclosure to build 40+ years of wins. He shares the unsexy truths: arithmetic over emotion, patience over hype, partnerships built on trust and pay, and why "passive" real estate is a lie. Smart risk, persistence, and character-driven success.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and John McNellis discuss: From lawyer to long-game real estate developer Biggest mistakes: overpaying, overleveraging, overbuilding Partnership longevity: treat people well, pay well Arithmetic over emotion: disciplined deal selection Market cycles: patience, timing, and selective action   Key Takeaways: Disciplined developers win by prioritizing arithmetic over emotion, resisting desperation, and walking away from skinny returns - even when the property looks irresistible, or the market feels hot and urgent. Avoid the trifecta of overpaying, overleveraging, and overbuilding because compounded risk kills. Loyalty lasts when you treat partners well and pay generously. There's no such thing as "passive" real estate. Patience through cycles enables selective action, prudent cash positioning, and the confidence to ignore headlines, wait out froth, and buy quality assets when others fear entering the market.   "The biggest lie in real estate is 'passive investment.' No such thing as a passive investment." - John McNellis   About the guest, John McNellis: John McNellis is a principal with McNellis Partners, a commercial development firm he cofounded in the mid-1980s in Northern California.  After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California Hastings College of the Law, McNellis began his career as a lawyer in 1976 in San Francisco. More interested in business than in law, he started fixing up houses in his spare time and gradually worked his way to more complicated projects. At 28, he began his career as a retail developer.   Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.   Get your FREE copy of Making it in Real Estate: Real Estate Elevated - Making It In Real Estate 3rd Edition Audio Book   Connect with John McNellis: Website: https://www.johnmcnellis.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcnellis-b6a1674/  CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Are you feeling burnt out or stuck on the real estate hamster wheel? Kirk Baumgartner shares how identity, deep listening, and daily gratitude transform chaos into clarity, so you can serve clients better, find real joy, and build a business aligned with your values.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Kirk Baumgartner discuss: Identity foundation through authenticity and aligned personal values Servant leadership mindset over transactional commission focus Deep listening skills to understand clients' needs Daily gratitude and grounding to maintain presence Strategies to prevent burnout and rediscover joy   Key Takeaways: Building a sustainable business starts with knowing yourself deeply, aligning actions to core values, and leading with service rather than chasing transactions or short-term wins. Deep listening reveals unspoken needs and earns trust. Practicing daily gratitude and "I am" statements keeps our minds stable and our focus centered. It is useful to practice gardening or breathing exercises to ground yourself amid chaos. If burnout hits, revisit what you love, niche down, delegate weaknesses, and rebuild routines that support presence, joy, and client-first leadership.   "I'm going to help you get this house… not look at it as a transaction, but as a service to get you what you want, and let the chips fall where they may." - Kirk Baumgartner   About the guest, Kirk Baumgartner: Kirk Baumgartner is a suicide prevention speaker for youth who is passionate about helping teens and young adults discover hope, purpose, and resilience. As the oldest of eleven children, a father of three, and a grandfather of seven, Kirk knows firsthand the power of family, connection, and community support in overcoming life's darkest moments. As a mental health and suicide prevention advocate, he blends humor, powerful personal stories, and practical strategies to help audiences build resilience, find meaning, and break the silence around mental health struggles. His approach resonates deeply with teens, educators, parents, and leaders seeking tools for youth suicide awareness and prevention.   Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.   Connect with Kirk Baumgartner: Website: https://www.redwigspeaking.com/  CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this Classic Rewind episode, Cheryl Knowlton sits down with leadership expert & former naval aviator Dave Rosenberg to talk about radical accountability, how to build teams that actually do what they need to do, when they need to do it, and with accuracy.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dave Rosenberg discuss: Radical accountability's three elements: mechanics, mindset, and modeling Importance of clear job descriptions, processes, and formal training with testing Counseling and curiosity instead of yelling when mistakes happen Leadership's impact on safety: fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses to toxic behavior Leaders must "walk the talk" to build trust, accountability, and high-performing teams    Key Takeaways: Radical accountability rests on three legs: mechanics, mindset, and modeling, and when any one of these is missing, performance, trust, and culture all suffer. Clear job descriptions, documented processes, and written policies remove "I didn't know" as an excuse.  Training must be formal, repeatable, and include testing and practice (like role plays) because without proof of competence, leaders can't fairly hold people accountable or diagnose whether problems are systemic or personal. When leaders yell, they trigger fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses, not learning or growth, and the alternative is a calm "counseling" conversation that looks for either broken systems or misaligned behavior. Team members watch what leaders do more than what they say.    "If you want your team to grow, we need to grow as leaders. It's just that simple." - Dave Rosenberg   About the guest, Dave Rosenberg: Dave Rosenberg is a professional keynote speaker and leadership development consultant. He guides teams and leaders to foster a culture of accountability that accelerates results. As a leading authority on high-performance leadership, accountability, and team dynamics, Dave Rosenberg is frequently hired as a leadership speaker, accountability speaker, and change management speaker. Dave's engaging, interactive, and insightful speaking style makes him a preferred keynote speaker for businesses aiming for the best conferences and events. After 30+ years in leadership positions, Dave's leadership experience is practical, not theoretical. He has been the president of 4 organizations and has consulted with hundreds of companies across the United States. His clients represent a large cross-section of industry, from manufacturing, retail, construction, engineering, farming, trucking, communications, and service.   Connect with Dave Rosenberg: Website: https://lockedonleadership.com/about-dave-rosenberg/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daverosenbergspeaks/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonleadership      CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

CPA-turned-agent Dan Mullen introduces Logged RE, a simple way for real estate pros to document material participation, support cost segregation strategies, and stay audit-ready. Clear guidance, organized records, real savings! Track what counts, avoid pitfalls, and plan proactively with confidence.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dan Mullen discuss: Why Dan built the Logged RE app Material participation: rules and documentation Real estate professional status requirements Cost segregation basics and savings potential App pricing, privacy, and future offerings   Key Takeaways: Logged RE enables real estate professionals to document material participation accurately and consistently for compliance. Thoroughly tracking qualifying hours and evidence strengthens cost segregation strategies and improves readiness for IRS examinations and audits. Proactive tax planning consistently outperforms reactive filing approaches. Real Estate Professional status demands 750 qualifying hours and that real property activities exceed all other personal employment or business commitments annually. Annual subscription is $99 after ten free entries, with no data selling and features like calendar sync, evidence attachments, and audit-ready PDF reports.   "[Logged RE lets you] stay organized, and get to the point where you can invest in your own product. It can do wonders for your tax bill." - Dan Mullen   Check out the Logged RE app HERE: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/logged-re/id6790021868   About the guest, Dan Mullen: Dan Mullen is a mortgage advisor and a partner at a tax firm, a combination that gives him a unique advantage in helping self-employed clients qualify for mortgages. Because these borrowers are underwritten using tax returns rather than W-2s and paystubs, Dan's deep understanding of tax documentation allows him to navigate the process more effectively. Having seen firsthand the pain and frustration caused by mortgage letter requests, he is on a personal crusade to help tax preparers avoid them and to bridge the gap between mortgage underwriters and tax professionals. Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.    Connect with Dan Mullen: Website: https://www.futureandmain.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbmullen/      Connect with Cheryl Knowlton: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/  Show Notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this Classic Rewind episode, Host Cheryl Knowlton sits down with long-time friend and lender partner Clay Johnson, Regional Manager at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, to unpack the real driver of success in real estate: habits, not willpower. From Clay's 27+ year lending journey to practical routines, leadership insights, and breaking bad habits by replacing them, this conversation is packed with timeless wisdom you can actually apply.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Clay Johnson discuss: Power and impact of daily habits Replacing bad habits instead of "dropping" them Starting each day with small, non‑negotiable wins Consistent, proactive communication in real estate Incremental growth by focusing on one to three habits at a time   Key Takeaways: Habits quietly run your life because when you train them intentionally, they become "autopilot" behaviors that move your business and life forward without relying on motivation or willpower. You can't just drop a bad habit; you must replace it. Simple, consistent morning victories like movement, reading, prayer/meditation prime your physical, mental, and emotional state to lead and serve at a higher level. In real estate, consistent communication is a superpower, especially when it's hard.  Real change comes from focusing on a few key behaviors at a time, and instead of trying to overhaul everything in January, choose one to three habits, lock them in with consistency, then stack new ones only after those are solid.   "A habit is never dropped; it's replaced… What's a bad habit that we're going to lose, what's a good habit we've been wanting to pick up?" - Clay Johnson   About the guest, Clay Johnson: Clients looking for a smart mortgage consultant and a company that really cares go to Clay Johnson and Guaranteed Rate Affinity for all their home financing needs. They can count on him to listen and understand their vision, and stay committed to doing what's in their best interest. Clay knows that every client has different financial goals, so he takes the time to understand their vision in order to recommend smart mortgage solutions. As a consultant, he is backed by a dedicated team of loan assistants, processors, underwriters, and closing specialists. He and his team consistently deliver smart choices because they're highly trained and well-versed in all aspects of the industry. To find a smart home-financing solution, give Clay a call today!   Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.   Connect with Clay Johnson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clay-johnson-a899989a/  Website: https://www.grarate.com/loan-officers/clay-johnson-33422  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClayJ.GRA/      CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Renting feels cheaper, until you do the math. In this episode, Dan Mullen and Cheryl Knowlton unpack the financial power of homeownership: appreciation, leverage, tax perks, and compound growth. Learn why buying can beat renting, how HECMs protect retirees, and what real estate pros must teach clients to build generational wealth.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dan Mullen discuss: Rent vs. own: full financial comparison Compound interest and long-term wealth impact Appreciation, leverage, and equity explained HECMs (reverse mortgages) for retirement housing Educating agents — financial literacy and mastery   Key Takeaways: When you include appreciation, maintenance, taxes, and rent growth, buying often outperforms renting long-term by millions sometimes. Leverage amplifies returns because appreciation applies to the whole asset, not just your down payment, creating disproportionate wealth across decades for homeowners and their families. Rent tends to rise; homeowners gain forced equity, stability, and inflation protection. Compound interest and time dramatically increase homeownership's advantages; even modest annual appreciation compounded over decades can result in vastly greater net worth compared with renting and investing small differences consistently. Real estate pros must teach financial context, quantify scenarios, and collaborate with CPAs and advisors to serve clients.   "In the example in the book... it's like $160,000 of wealth difference in favor of the owner just because they own the house versus renting." - Dan Mullen   Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.   Grab a copy of Dan's book, Real Decisions: The Financial Impact of Renting and Owning, HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Real-Decisions-Financial-Impact-Renting/dp/B0DRKCC7YB   About the guest, Dan Mullen: Dan Mullen is a mortgage advisor and a partner at a tax firm, a combination that gives him a unique advantage in helping self-employed clients qualify for mortgages. Because these borrowers are underwritten using tax returns rather than W-2s and pay stubs, Dan's deep understanding of tax documentation allows him to navigate the process more effectively. Having seen firsthand the pain and frustration caused by mortgage letter requests, he is on a personal crusade to help tax preparers avoid them and to bridge the gap between mortgage underwriters and tax professionals. Dan is also the author of Real Decisions: The Financial Impact of Renting and Owning.   Connect with Dan Mullen: Website: https://www.futureandmain.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbmullen/      CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/      Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

When your entire job revolves around meeting strangers in empty properties, safety isn't optional; it's survival. In this episode, retired detective Dale Anderson shares hard-earned, real-world tactics to help real estate agents recognize danger, trust their instincts, and make it home alive.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dale Anderson discuss: Why real estate is far more dangerous than most agents realize The tragic story and lasting legacy of Beverly Carter Situational awareness and trusting your gut Open house and showing safety strategies Using tools, habits, and training to prevent violence   Key Takeaways: Good-hearted people often underestimate danger because they don't naturally think like predators, which makes proactive safety training essential. Violent criminals frequently target real estate professionals based on the perception that agents are wealthy and vulnerable. Simple preparation, like how you park, where you stand in a home, and knowing your exits, can dramatically change the outcome of a critical moment. Listening to your intuition and acting on it immediately, even if it feels "rude" or overcautious, may be the difference between surviving and becoming a headline. Safety tools and habits (avoiding driving clients, not working alone, choosing the right footwear) are not inconveniences; they are lifelines for you and the people who want you to come home.   "Ladies and gentlemen, if you're ever in a situation where someone's going to pull you into a van or into a trunk, whatever is going to happen after you get stuffed in that van or that trunk is way worse than standing there and fighting to survive at that moment." - Dale Anderson   About the guest, Dale Anderson: Dale Anderson is a retired police officer with roughly 30 years in law enforcement, including 20 years at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and 13 years as a detective focused on the most violent offenders in Clark County, Nevada. After retiring in 2019 and moving to North Idaho, he founded Frontline Training and Consulting, shifting from teaching cops to training real estate professionals and the general public in real-world safety, situational awareness, and surviving violent encounters. Now a national speaker, he draws on his extensive experience with violent criminals to help agents recognize danger, trust their instincts, and build habits that get them home safely at the end of the day.   National Association of Realtors Safety Resources: https://www.nar.realtor/safety  Forewarn App: https://www.forewarn.com/    Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.    Connect with Dale Anderson: Website: https://frontlinetrainingandconsulting.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-anderson-frontline-training-and-consulting-b82ab097/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frontline_6363/  Email: [email protected]  Phone: 702-439-1279      Connect with Cheryl Knowlton: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/      Show Notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Most agents work their adorable little guts out… then get crushed by taxes and surprise IRS bills. This week on Real Estate Elevated, Cheryl sits down with Dan Mullen, CPA & mortgage pro, who has literally built his career saving realtors from tax disasters.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dan Mullen discuss: Planning ahead to avoid self‑employment tax "surprises." Using S‑corp elections to reduce self‑employment taxes Properly documenting travel, meals, and vehicle deductions Regular, proactive check‑ins with your accountant Investing in your own product: real estate for long‑term wealth   Key Takeaways: Proactive tax planning is non‑negotiable for agents who don't want to be blindsided at tax time.  The S‑corp election can dramatically cut self‑employment taxes when structured correctly, and setting a reasonable salary and letting the rest flow as distributions is where much of the savings happens. Travel, meals, and vehicle deductions are powerful but highly audited, so documentation is everything; but clear board minutes, mileage logs, and receipts turn "red flag" categories into audit‑proof benefits. Treat quarterly taxes like a standing business appointment rather than an optional chore, with calendar reminders and regular check‑ins with your accountant keeping you out of panic mode and in control of cash flow. Truly wealthy agents don't just sell real estate—they own it.    "Real estate builds so much wealth. It does for even people living in their own homes. It certainly does for investors." - Dan Mullen   About the guest, Dan Mullen: Dan Mullen is a mortgage advisor and a partner at a tax firm, a combination that gives him a unique advantage in helping self-employed clients qualify for mortgages. Because these borrowers are underwritten using tax returns rather than W-2s and pay stubs, Dan's deep understanding of tax documentation allows him to navigate the process more effectively. Having seen firsthand the pain and frustration caused by mortgage letter requests, he is on a personal crusade to help tax preparers avoid them and to bridge the gap between mortgage underwriters and tax professionals.   Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.    Connect with Dan Mullen: Website: https://www.futureandmain.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbmullen/      CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/  Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Burnout doesn't have to be the price of real estate success. In this episode, second-generation broker and top producer Mark Peebles shares how a hard truth from his wife, a faith reset, and a new time management model helped him build a $20M+ business that still puts family, clients, and sanity first.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Mark Peebles discuss: Second-generation real estate journey and building NavX Realty Breaking the "work harder, longer hours" success myth Faith, counseling, and confronting workaholism Time management framework: four work modes and "best life" appointments Client care, Chick-fil-A-level service, and relationship-based lead generation   Key Takeaways: Working more hours doesn't guarantee better results. Treat family and personal time as non-negotiable appointments, because protecting your relationships is just as important as growing your business. Delegating to assistants, transaction coordinators, and trusted partners doesn't mean sacrificing quality; it often improves the client experience while giving you the freedom to focus on your highest-value work. People remember how you made them feel long after they forget the details of the transaction. Using a structured framework for connective, performance, deep, and essential work can help you earn more, avoid burnout, and build a business that supports the life you actually want to live.   "If we connect with people every single day. It will lead to performance work." - Mark Peebles   About the guest, Mark Peebles: Mark Peebles is passionate about helping people build lives and businesses that last. A seasoned real estate leader, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and coach, Mark guides agents, business owners, and teams toward greater clarity, purpose, and lasting success. Mark's passion is making an impact and inspiring people to be World Changers. His mission is to help people live their best life and achieve ultimate success. Mark has been recognized as a Dayton Area Board of Realtors Pinnacle of Performance Award Winner, performing at the highest level among his peers.   Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.    Connect with Mark Peebles: Website: https://itsmarkpeebles.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsmarkpeebles  Monday Mindset Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/monday-mindsets-with-mark-peebles/id1652699436  The Ultimate Success Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ultimate-success-podcast-with-mark-peebles/id1663931943      Connect with Cheryl Knowlton: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/  Show Notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

If you've been waiting to "feel confident" before you launch, speak up, or go bigger in your business, this episode will flip that script. Discover how unapologetic belief, tiny daily moves, and fierce boundaries can shatter self-doubt and change the way you show up in life and real estate.   In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Cassy Williamson discuss: Belief vs. confidence: decision before proof The Unapologetic Belief Framework Self-doubt, overthinking, and the hamster-wheel loop Boundaries, time, and "best yes" priorities Real estate as a life improvement and service   Key Takeaways: Confidence is not the entry ticket; it's the result of action and evidence, and that cycle can only start when you choose belief first. Even the tiniest daily move can interrupt the loop of self-doubt. Saying yes only to your "best yes" protects your most valuable asset—time—and keeps you building the life and business you actually want. Authenticity means refusing to tone down the parts of you that are good and powerful just to make other people more comfortable. The most effective professionals in real estate focus on relationships and serving as "life improvers," not just on transactions or price points.   "I think belief is the decision before proof." - Cassy Williamson   About the guest, Cassy Williamson: Cassy Williamson is a leadership coach passionate about helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential through heart-centered leadership, innovation, and confidence. With a background in the music industry, healthcare, sales, and marketing, she brings a unique perspective on how strong leadership and positive company culture can transform organizations. Cassy has coached professionals at all levels, empowering them to create lasting personal and professional growth through trust, collaboration, and actionable strategies that inspire meaningful change.   Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call.    Connect with Cassy Williamson: Website: https://www.cassywilliamson.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassywilliamson  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassy__williamson      Connect with Cheryl Knowlton: Website: www.cherylknows.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/  Show Notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.