Building a real estate career from scratch with Spencer Argueta

Building a real estate career from scratch with Spencer Argueta

ELEVATE AND EXECUTE PODCAST BUILDING A REAL ESTATE CAREER FROM SCRATCH WITH SPENCER ARGUETA In this episode of Elevate and Execute, Brian Preston and Kyle Fernandez sit down with Elevate Realty partner Spencer Argueta to discuss her journey from Colorado stay-at-home mom to becoming one of the top-producing agents and owners at Elevate Realty. Spencer shares how a relocation to St. Louis led to an unexpected career in real estate, the lessons she learned building a business in a city where she knew no one, and how strategic lead generation, relationship-building, and consistency helped her grow from a handful of transactions to helping build a brokerage on pace for hundreds of millions in annual sales. The conversation also takes a deep dive into Zillow, buyer agency agreements, lead generation, database building, and what today's consumers need to understand about working with real estate agents. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN * How Spencer went from knowing nobody in St. Louis to becoming a top-producing Realtor * Why relationships are the foundation of a successful real estate career * The importance of saying "yes" early in your business * How Zillow became one of the largest lead-generation platforms in real estate * The difference between Zillow's traditional lead model and Zillow Preferred/Flex * Why building and nurturing a database creates long-term success * How Missouri's buyer agency laws have changed the home-buying process * What buyers should know before signing an agency agreement * Why experience matters when choosing a real estate agent * How Elevate Realty helps new agents accelerate their growth KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED SPENCER'S JOURNEY TO ST. LOUIS * Relocating from Colorado after her husband's company transfer * Working at Lifetime Fitness and meeting Kyle Fernandez * Getting her real estate license while raising three children * Choosing a small brokerage over large national brands BUILDING A BUSINESS FROM ZERO * Starting without a sphere of influence * Leveraging internet leads and strategic partnerships * Reinvesting earnings back into lead generation * Growing through referrals and repeat clients ZILLOW EXPLAINED * How Zillow became the nation's largest real estate portal * Understanding lead generation and Zillow Preferred * The true cost and value of paid leads * Why databases are more valuable than individual transactions MISSOURI BUYER AGENCY AGREEMENTS * What changed in Missouri law * Why buyers must now sign agreements before viewing homes * Different agency agreement options available to consumers * How buyers can protect themselves during the process ADVICE FOR NEW AGENTS * Why consistency beats shortcuts * The importance of training and coaching * How new agents can shorten the time between licensing and their first paycheck * What separates successful agents from those who leave the industry MEMORABLE QUOTES > "Real estate is a relationship business." > "The value in real estate is in your CRM and your database." > "I want to earn your business and become your agent for life." > "The more people I meet, the more people will transact." > "If you're saying no all the time, you're stealing from your future income." ABOUT SPENCER ARGUETA Spencer Argueta is a partner at Elevate Realty and one of the driving forces behind the brokerage's growth. After relocating to St. Louis from Colorado, she built a thriving real estate business from the ground up and now helps coach and mentor agents while overseeing key systems, operations, and lead-generation strategies within the company. CONNECT WITH ELEVATE REALTY Whether you're buying, selling, investing, or exploring a career in real estate, Elevate Realty's mission is simple: To elevate the lives of our clients, our agents, and the communities we serve.

Contracts, Commission Conversations, and Earning Your Value

ELEVATE AND EXECUTE — EPISODE: CONTRACTS, COMMISSION CONVERSATIONS, AND EARNING YOUR VALUE Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston Guest: Larry Siebert EPISODE SUMMARY In this insightful episode of Elevate and Execute, Kyle and Brian sit down with Larry Siebert to break down the real conversations happening around commissions, contracts, and client expectations in today’s real estate market. They dive into how the industry has shifted, what agents are experiencing in the field, and why professionalism and communication are more important than ever. The conversation centers on buyer agreements, how compensation is actually structured, and how seasoned agents confidently explain their value in a changing landscape. Larry shares his perspective on navigating negotiations, setting expectations early, and why agents who lead with clarity instead of fear will continue to win. The episode reinforces a core theme: you don’t justify your commission — you demonstrate it. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 1. How to confidently explain commission structures to buyers and sellers 2. Why buyer agreements are becoming more important in today’s market 3. The difference between “charging” a commission and “earning” it 4. How to handle compensation objections without getting defensive 5. Why professionalism and preparation separate career agents from part-timers 6. How to set expectations early so deals don’t fall apart later 7. The long-term impact of protecting your value instead of discounting it NOTABLE QUOTES > “You don’t defend your commission — you demonstrate your value.” > “If you’re uncomfortable talking about compensation, you’re not prepared.” > “Clarity up front prevents conflict later.” > “Professionals don’t race to the bottom.” SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode helped you rethink how you present your value and navigate compensation conversations, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another agent who’s building their business the right way. Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly conversations about real estate, leadership, and building sustainable careers.

Real Estate Chaos, Lead Sources, and Building a Business Through Real Life - Larry Siebert

ELEVATE AND EXECUTE — EPISODE: REAL ESTATE CHAOS, LEAD SOURCES, AND BUILDING A BUSINESS THROUGH REAL LIFE Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston Guest: Larry Siebert EPISODE SUMMARY In this candid and entertaining episode of Elevate and Execute, Kyle and Brian sit down with Larry Siebert for a wide-ranging conversation about the realities of building a real estate business while juggling real life, unpredictable situations, and constant change. The episode opens with real-world stories from the field—unexpected showings, awkward moments, and the kind of chaos that only happens in real estate. From there, the conversation moves into lead generation, long-term relationship building, and what actually drives repeat and referral business. Larry shares insights on consistency, professionalism, and why showing up the right way matters more than being perfect. The group also talks about the difference between buying time versus saving money, how systems reduce stress, and why most success in real estate comes from simply doing the basics exceptionally well over time. This episode balances humor, honesty, and practical advice—making it relatable for new agents and seasoned professionals alike. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 1. Why real estate rarely goes as planned—and how to stay professional anyway 2. How chaos in the field builds experience and confidence 3. The long-term value of relationships over transactions 4. Why consistency beats intensity in real estate careers 5. How to think about time vs. money when growing your business 6. What actually builds trust with clients 7. Why systems and preparation reduce stress and mistakes 8. How to build a sustainable real estate career without burnout NOTABLE QUOTES > “Real estate isn’t about perfection—it’s about professionalism.” > “The deals you do today are planting seeds for years down the road.” > “Most success comes from doing simple things consistently well.” > “You can’t eliminate chaos in real estate, but you can control how you respond to it.” > “Time is the one thing you can’t get back—protect it.” SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode made you laugh, reflect, or rethink how you approach your business, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow agent who understands the chaos. Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly conversations about real estate, business, and building careers that last.

Scaling Rentals, Smart Systems, and Doing It Right the First Time With Chad Klamen

ELEVATE AND EXECUTE — EPISODE: SCALING RENTALS, SMART SYSTEMS, AND DOING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston Guest: Chad Klamen EPISODE SUMMARY In this systems-focused episode of Elevate and Execute, Kyle and Brian sit down with real estate investor and operator Chad Klamen to break down what it really takes to scale a rental portfolio the right way. Chad walks through the behind-the-scenes systems he uses to manage over 150 rental units efficiently — from self-guided showings and tenant screening to standardized rehabs and streamlined move-out processes. The conversation dives deep into why systems beat hustle, how time savings outweigh occasional risk, and why treating rentals like a business (not a hobby) is the key to long-term profitability. They also explore tenant experience, fair housing considerations, maintenance efficiency, staging rentals for higher rent, and why cutting corners on materials almost always costs more in the long run. This episode is packed with practical, repeatable ideas for investors who want scale without chaos. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 1. How Chad runs self-guided showings safely and efficiently 2. Why strong pre-screening protects both landlords and tenants 3. The systems behind smooth move-ins and move-outs 4. How standardizing cabinets, flooring, and finishes saves time and money 5. Why staging rental properties can increase rent and reduce vacancy 6. The real cost of cheap rehabs and constant maintenance 7. How tenant satisfaction directly impacts profitability 8. Why relationships are the most powerful form of lead generation 9. How to think about scaling property management without burning out NOTABLE QUOTES > “You can’t scale without systems.” > “If you do it right the first time, you don’t have to keep fixing it.” > “Turnover is the most expensive part of owning rentals.” > “Cheap materials cost you more over time.” > “Relationships are currency — that’s where the best deals come from.” SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode gave you actionable ideas for running rentals smarter and scaling with confidence, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with an investor who’s trying to grow without chaos. Follow Elevate and Execute for real conversations about real estate, systems, and building businesses that actually last.

Year-End Reflection, Discipline, and Setting the Tone for 2026

ELEVATE AND EXECUTE — EPISODE: YEAR-END REFLECTION, DISCIPLINE, AND SETTING THE TONE FOR 2026 Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian EPISODE SUMMARY In this end-of-year episode, the Elevate and Execute crew reflects on the lessons, challenges, and wins from 2025—both in business and in life. They talk candidly about discipline, consistency, and why most people drift instead of deliberately designing the year ahead. The conversation covers real estate, entrepreneurship, health, and mindset, with a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and long-term thinking. Rather than chasing resolutions or quick wins, the hosts focus on building systems, routines, and habits that compound over time. As the year wraps up, this episode serves as both a reset and a challenge: to take ownership of your direction, eliminate distractions, and move into 2026 with clarity and intent. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 1. Why reflection matters more than goal-setting alone 2. How discipline and routine create momentum year over year 3. The difference between being busy and being intentional 4. Why most people overestimate what they can do in a month and underestimate what they can do in a year 5. How to evaluate what worked—and what didn’t—in 2025 6. The importance of personal standards in business and life 7. Why consistency beats motivation every time 8. How to set yourself up for a strong 2026 without burnout NOTABLE QUOTES > “Most people don’t need a new goal—they need better habits.” > “If you don’t choose your direction, life will choose it for you.” > “Discipline is the bridge between intention and results.” > “What you do daily matters more than what you plan yearly.” SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode helped you reflect on the year or sharpen your focus for what’s next, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants to enter 2026 with purpose instead of pressure. Follow Elevate and Execute for weekly conversations on real estate, business, and building a disciplined, intentional life.