Joe Skipper and Cody Wilhelm dive into the essential tools, apps, and strategies that have helped them build successful real estate and mortgage businesses. They share both technical solutions and fundamental practices that make a difference in productivity and client relationships.

• Tracking daily activities with the Greatness Tracker to maintain accountability
• Using OneNote for comprehensive organization of tasks, transactions, and content planning
• Sphere CRM for automated client touchpoints like birthday cards and home anniversaries
• The Reach app for personalized mass texting at an affordable price point
• Creating text shortcuts on iPhone for frequently sent messages
• Captions app for transforming basic videos into professional content with minimal editing
• Opus AI for repurposing long-form content into platform-specific short clips
• The continued importance of phone calls for building genuine client relationships
• Why top producers consistently rely on simple systems rather than complicated solutions
• How to overcome call reluctance and make client check-ins feel natural instead of salesy

If you're struggling with consistency or looking to streamline your business processes, try implementing just one or two of these tools and see how they transform your productivity.

The brutal truth? The current real estate and lending market is leaving many professionals questioning their future in the industry. High interest rates have slashed buyer pools, deals are harder to find, and the feast-or-famine income cycle is pushing talented people toward more stable careers.

But as Joe Skipper and Cody Wilhelm reveal in this candid conversation, there's a clear path forward for those willing to adapt. They pull back the curtain on what's actually working right now, particularly focusing on how social media has become the most cost-effective lead generation tool available to struggling agents and lenders.

"You can door knock for five hours and reach 500 homes if you're super good at it," Joe explains, "or you can post something valuable on a Monday and reach 700-800 people in just 15 minutes." This efficiency is game-changing for professionals watching their marketing budgets.

The hosts dive into the critical difference between value-driven content versus clickbait, why consistency trumps perfection, and how to select just one platform to master instead of trying to be everywhere at once. They also address the psychological barriers preventing many professionals from leveraging these tools effectively.

Perhaps most refreshingly, Joe and Cody emphasize authenticity over imitation. "Don't let other agents influence you or deceive you into thinking that's how you have to be to be successful," Joe advises. "There's someone that's you, so get your personality out there."

Ready to weather this market storm and position yourself for success when conditions improve? Listen now for actionable strategies from two professionals who are practicing what they preach and finding ways to thrive despite the challenges.

Mortgage rates are driving today's strange real estate market despite high demand and low supply, creating affordability challenges for buyers and homeowners alike.

• Current mortgage rates are hovering around 6.9%, making affordability the main obstacle for many buyers
• Homeowners with 3% rates feel trapped, wanting to move but unable to afford higher rates on new properties
• Rates may eventually return to the low 5% range, but the timeline remains uncertain
• Down payment amount and credit score are the primary factors in determining the best mortgage type
• VA loans are optimal for veterans, conventional loans work best for credit scores above 700, FHA for below 700
• Service quality is the key differentiator between lenders, with personalized attention often worth slightly higher rates
• Rate locks are tied to specific properties and typically last 30 days, with longer periods available for new construction
• Mortgage rates can change multiple times daily based on market conditions
• The average mortgage currently takes 23-24 days from accepted offer to closing

Join us for future episodes where we'll be bringing on special guests to share their expertise on the mortgage and real estate markets.

Joe and Cody explore tech tools revolutionizing real estate content creation and demystify common mortgage terminology that often confuses homebuyers. They share practical insights on leveraging AI for business efficiency while breaking down complex financing concepts in simple, actionable terms.

• Captions app automates video editing for real estate professionals, saving hours of work while creating professional-looking content
• ChatGPT and AI assistants have evolved beyond search engines to become comprehensive business tools for everything from content creation to visualization
• PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance) represents your true monthly payment, often hundreds more than the advertised mortgage rate
• Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios determine how much of your home you're financing versus owning outright
• Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) provide financial flexibility with minimal setup costs, functioning as low-interest emergency funds
• Mortgage lender competitiveness varies based on business models and margins rather than simply institution size
• Multiple Listing Service (MLS) provides the data that feeds all real estate sites, though platforms like Zillow add their own estimates and calculations

Check out the Captions app to streamline your social media content creation, and consider setting up a HELOC as a financial safety net even if you don't need the funds immediately.

Joe and Cody discuss the current real estate market conditions and share cautionary tales from their experiences in the industry.

• Oregon and Washington markets remain stable despite media narratives about housing crashes
• The current market requires more patience from sellers as buyers take longer to make decisions
• Joe shares a close call where incorrect paperwork almost cost him an entire commission
• Cody recounts a story of buyers with employment gaps who ultimately walked away from the deal
• Commission clawbacks affect mortgage professionals when loans are paid off within six months
• Cody offers a 1% credit (up to $10,000) for buyers using his services on Joe's listings
• Finding the right balance in client communication helps demonstrate value without overwhelming them

Remember, quality representation matters – choosing experienced professionals over discount services can make the difference between a successful transaction and a costly failure.

Joe and Cody explore how economic uncertainty is affecting the real estate market and share stories of their worst jobs before entering the industry.

• Market volatility is driven by economic uncertainty rather than interest rates
• Job security concerns are making potential buyers hesitate despite getting comfortable with higher interest rates
• Difficult political decisions often hurt some people while benefiting the majority
• Government spending cuts cause short-term pain but may be necessary for long-term sustainability
• Cody's worst job was removing honeycomb for a bee remediation company in California
• Joe worked as a tuxedo-wearing door opener at Spirit Mountain Casino
• Growing up with farm work and manual labor provided valuable life experiences that today's children may miss
• Different jobs throughout life help people discover their preferences and shape who they become

Reach out if you'd like to be a guest on the podcast - we'd love to have different voices join our conversations!

Ever wondered what real estate agents and mortgage lenders really think about their most challenging situations? In this refreshingly candid episode, Joe Skipper of Skipper Realty Group and Cody Wilhelm of Wilhelm Loans tackle a series of hilarious "Would You Rather" scenarios that pull back the curtain on the housing industry.

The duo dives deep into professional dilemmas that most industry professionals only discuss behind closed doors. Would they rather work with fantastic clients paired with terrible agents, or handle difficult clients alongside supportive professionals? Their answers reveal surprising insights about client relationships and the true value of communication in successful real estate transactions.

From technological mishaps to awkward client interactions, Joe and Cody share their preferences on everything from showing homes to clients who ghost them to explaining complex financial concepts for the thousandth time. Their responses highlight both the humor and frustration inherent in their professions while showcasing the patience required to navigate challenging situations with grace.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as they debate whether they'd prefer to list only homes requiring full renovations or work exclusively with first-time homebuyers forever. These hypothetical scenarios spark thoughtful reflections about where they find meaning in their work and what aspects of their professions they truly value most.

Want more industry insights or interested in sharing your own real estate journey? Joe and Cody invite listeners to reach out if they'd like to be featured on a future episode of Venture. Their open invitation reflects the collaborative, community-focused approach that makes this podcast a valuable resource for anyone navigating the complex world of real estate and mortgage lending.

Joe and Cody take a break from their usual real estate and mortgage topics to explore the challenges of self-censorship in their professional lives and share their excitement about the Masters Tournament.

• The struggle of wanting to make humorous comments on social media while maintaining professional appearances
• How leaving politics behind brought unexpected peace and reduced stress
• Recent market volatility related to tariff announcements creating an uncertain economic environment
• ChatGPT's deep research feature for analyzing Masters Tournament betting opportunities
• The psychology behind golf equipment purchases and whether new clubs actually improve performance
• Comparing the value of brand-name golf equipment versus budget-friendly alternatives like Kirkland
• The appeal of the Masters Tournament and its traditions, including affordable concessions and phone-free environment

If you're interested in chatting about golf, real estate, or just want to connect, reach out to Joe at Skipper Realty Group or Cody at Residential Mortgage in Washington.