Advertise on podcast: Real Talk for Rookie Realtors

Real estate is hard — but sometimes the hardest part is dealing with other agents. In this episode, we talk about mean agents, intimidation tactics, and power plays that can make rookies question their confidence. You’ll learn how to stay professional, grounded, and confident without matching their energy or burning bridges. If you’ve ever felt talked down to or wondered if you belong - this episode is for you. If you want more support and to join a community of other rookie realtors - make sure to join the Rookie Realtor email list to stay in the know. Click here to join!!   🎧 Listen now and share it with a friend that's feeling the same way. 

Ever feel like you're terrified of messing up or looking dumb as a new agent? Spoiler alert: you’re not the only one. I've been there!!  In this episode, I’m sharing my most embarrassing real estate moments, awkward mistakes, and straight up fails.   My hope is this episode serves as a reminder that success is built on a whole lot of trial & error and laughing at yourself along the way. Listen for laughs, relatability, and permission to be human.

As realtors, we’re constantly surrounded by noise — other agents’ wins, new strategies, shiny tools, and endless demands on our time. In this episode, I’m sharing three things I’m intentionally NOT bringing with me into 2026 and why letting go of these habits can create more peace, clarity, and momentum in both life and business. This isn’t about doing more — it’s about protecting your focus and building a business that actually feels good to run. You don’t need a new strategy — you need stronger boundaries, clearer focus, and trust in your own path. Here's to 2026! Send this episode to a Rookie Realtor jumping into business in the new year.

If you’re a rookie realtor feeling overwhelmed, scattered, or like you’re constantly busy but not actually building momentum — this episode is a must-listen. “Systems” is a buzz word these days, but in this episode we’re breaking down what they really are.  In this conversation, I chat with Sheena Gilreath from The Leverage Co., a systems expert who helps agents stop operating in chaos and start running their business like an actual business. We talk through which systems matter first, which ones you don’t need yet, and how to keep things simple so you can grow your business sustainably.  This episode is especially for the agent who keeps hearing “you need systems” but has no idea where to start. You can learn more about The Leverage Co programs and connect with Sheena at the links below:  www.theleverageco.com Instagram:  @theleverageco @sheenagilreath 

In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what “business planning” or “business auditing” I’m ACTUALLY doing for the new year. This episode is meant to help you finish the year with clarity so you can sail into the new year running your business with confidence.  Whether you’re a brand-new agent or you’ve been winging it longer than you’d like to admit, this episode gives you a practical and honest conversation for wrapping up your year strong — and setting yourself up to hit January already in motion. Show Links:  Ep. 3 - Defining Success & Setting Goals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-talk-for-rookie-realtors/id1815970469?i=1000709443493 Ep. 15 - LLC, Write-Offs, & CEO Money Moves for Rookie Realtors - ft. Keisha Rondeno: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-talk-for-rookie-realtors/id1815970469?i=1000735548700

In today’s cheesy but mini-episode, I’m reading a letter full of advice I wish I could give to my rookie self six years ago — the version of me who was brand new to real estate, had NO idea where to start, overwhelmed, and wondering if she had what it took. This episode is part mindset, part encouragement, and part reminder that every rookie agent is on a journey that’s so much bigger than they realize. As we start to reflect on this year and plan for the new year, let this be your sign to look back & be proud of how far you’ve come & excited about where you’re going. 

Rookie Realtors - This episode is pure GOLD. It is THE episode I needed as a Rookie Realtor. Today on the show, Keisha Rondeno joins us - a Real Estate CPA & Tax Strategist and we chat all things taxes, accounting, and best practices.  We cover: When to form your LLC (and why it matters)What expenses you can and can’t write off as a real estate agentIf/when you should make an S-Corp electionThe simplest bookkeeping systems for beginners…What NOT to do in your first year of real estate accountingTools, softwares, and easy accounting tips to make your life easier & make your CPA love you! This episode will help you stop feeling confused about real estate taxes and start feeling confident in working for yourself in a commission-only world.  Be on the lookout for her new book launching in just a few weeks - “Write it off, Run it Right... The Real Estate Agent's Guide to Tax Savings."  Connect with Keisha: Youtube: @RealEstateTaxCPA Instagram: @realestateCPA Linked In: Keisha L. Rondeno 

If you’ve ever ended the day wondering, “What did I even get done today?” Or “what do I do with all my time?!” — this episode is for you. In this week’s episode, we’re diving into how to structure your day as a real estate agent — especially in the early seasons as a Rookie Realtor.  We’ll talk about time-blocking your day, setting your “Big 3” priorities, and the micro-habits that make all the difference. I’m also sharing some real talk about Q4 in real estate — when to push, when to pull back, and how to use the slower seasons to launch into 2026. Whether you’re feeling that end-of-year burnout or just trying to find your rhythm, this episode will help you get back in control of your schedule. 

In this episode of Real Talk for Rookie Realtors, I sit down with Caroline Rue, a real estate queeeeeeen who’s just two years into the business. We dive into the common fears and self-doubt that creep in when you’re building your real estate career and share actionable strategies for overcoming them. Caroline opens up about her journey, how she battled fear at the start, and how she learned to trust herself during the process. We also talk about her approach to networking & building a strong social media presence, which helped her attract leads and build meaningful connections within her community. If you’ve ever let the fear of failing creep in —this episode is for you! You can find Caroline @carolineruerealtor on Instagram! 

Choosing a brokerage is one of the very first decisions you’ll make as a brand-new real estate agent—and let’s be honest, it can feel overwhelming. Do you go with the biggest brokerage in town? The one with the best split? Or the office that promises you never ending leads?  In today’s solo episode, I’m breaking down exactly what to look for when choosing a brokerage, what questions to ask, and why I personally chose Real Broker for my business. If you’re in the decision-making stage, don’t miss this episode—it’ll guide you through making a wise choice that serves you best!  Next Steps:  DM me on Instagram if you’re weighing brokerage options or want to chat about Real! Grab my free guide: 30 Days of Reels for Real Estate Lead Generation here: https://maryneelmcclintockrealestate.myflodesk.com/rookierealsSubscribe to the podcast for more rookie realtor resources and encouragement

Welcome to The Rookie Realtor Podcast! I’m Mary-Neel McClintock, a Greenville-based Realtor turned coach, and I’m here to be the best friend in real estate you wish you had. Each week, I’ll bring you encouragement, real talk, and practical strategies to help you build your business from the ground up. From social media growth to picking the right brokerage, I’ll walk you through the wins, mistakes, and lessons I had to learn the hard way - but you don’t have to. Hit play, subscribe, and let’s grow your business together.

This is the probably the question I've been asked the MOST lately: do you join a team or go solo? In this episode, I sit down with Sam Walker, my co-agent and business bestie, to unpack her journey from being on a team for two years to taking the leap into solo agent life (spoiler alert: she's crushing it!).  Sam shares the inside scoop on what she gained from being on a team, the challenges she faced when she went out on her own, and the lessons she learned along the way. If you’re a Rookie Realtor weighing your options before jumping in —this conversation is full of real talk and practical takeaways you don’t want to miss. You can find Sam on Instagram @Sammyraej. Want to join the Rookie Realtor World? Subscribe to the newsletter here: https://maryneelmcclintockrealestate.myflodesk.com/f6g6m4ld57

Building a personal brand can feel like a full-time job on top of your actual career—but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, I’m sharing how I built my personal brand, the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and how I’ve managed to grow it without burning myself out. We’ll dive into: What a personal brand actually is (and why it matters more than a logo)How I built mine and what’s worked bestThe positives and opportunities a strong brand createsThe challenges and “not-so-pretty” side of itMy best tips for showing up online consistently without sacrificing your sanityIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of building your brand—or wondered how to do it in a sustainable way—this episode is for you. Here's the link to 30 Days of Reels for Rookie Realtors: https://maryneelmcclintockrealestate.myflodesk.com/rookiereals If you loved this episode, please share it with anyone you think would resonate with it! 

When your career is unpredictable, it’s easy to let your health slide — but if you want to show up at your best for clients (and yourself), you need habits that hold steady even when your schedule doesn’t. In this episode, I’m sharing my health struggles and my wellness habits that have made the biggest difference for me as a busy realtor, including: Quick healthy meal shortcuts that saves me time and moneyHow to treat your self care like a client appointmentHow I protect my peace & stick to my boundariesMy time-blocking method that prevents burnout Health & wellness isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating simple, sustainable habits that help you thrive no matter how crazy your week gets. Resources & Links: Connect with me on Instagram: @maryneel13Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode Share this episode with a friend who’s balancing business and burnout

I promise I’m not being dramatic with that title.  The one habit that’s completely changing my life and business? Keeping the promises I make to myself. In this episode, we’re talking about what it really means to build self-trust, why it matters when you work for yourself, and how to take radical responsibility to build a life and a business you love. Can't wait for you to listen!