330: Real Estate Cancellations: When Communication Could Have Saved the Deal
Release Date: 12/01/2025
Hustle Humbly Podcast
We’ve talked about dual agency a lot over the years. We’ve shared why it can work, when it feels straightforward, and how staying factual and neutral has always been the goal. In this episode, Alissa shares a real transaction that happened a while ago where dual agency went wrong. And although a lot of time has passed, the lessons still matter. Things didn’t fall apart because of a bad inspection. Not because of shady advice. But because of trust, distance, emotions, and a perfect storm of circumstances that turned a clean deal into a full-on gut punch. ...
info_outlineHustle Humbly Podcast
What if everything you thought you knew about homebuyers and sellers was wrong? Every year we dive into the gold mine of information inside the NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers and the Member Profile for Realtors, and y’all… the 2025 data might be the most shocking yet. In this 4th annual deep dive, we’re bringing you the stats that matter—and breaking down what they actually mean for your real estate business in 2026. From skyrocketing median ages to shifts in how (and if) clients are finding their agents, this episode is your go-to resource for understanding the real people...
info_outlineHustle Humbly Podcast
Ever wish you could peek into other agents’ most challenging situations and hear exactly how to handle them? That’s what this episode is all about. We asked our listeners to send us their real estate dilemmas—and they delivered! In Episode 337, we’re analyzing real-life real estate scenarios: anxious buyers, builder referral incentives, tricky team splits, disclosure dilemmas, expired listings, and more. Some of these situations are tricky. Others are all-too-familiar. But every single one gets our honest take and plenty of actionable advice. We cover the real reason...
info_outlineHustle Humbly Podcast
You got your license… now what? The first three years in real estate can feel like complete chaos. And if you're like a lot of newer agents, you might find yourself wondering, “Am I just too sensitive for this?” In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that no one seems to talk about: how to build *true* Realtor confidence in those early years — especially when you feel like you're fumbling your way through. What sparked this conversation? A heartfelt listener email asking for help navigating agent-to-agent interactions, self-doubt, sensitivity, and the struggle to find...
info_outlineHustle Humbly Podcast
It's a new year, and with that comes a tidal wave of motivation, new planners, gym memberships—and a lot of Realtors about to throw out their entire business in the name of “starting fresh.” 😬 This episode is your permission slip to *not* join the “Real Estate Gym” of shiny tools, overhauls, and burnout waiting to happen. We’re talking about the very real trap of doing *too much too fast* in January—new CRM, new lead gen, new branding, new content plan—and why it never sticks. Instead, we walk you through how to build real momentum by focusing on...
info_outlineHustle Humbly Podcast
It’s happened to all of us at some point—your cousin, college roommate, or neighbor posts that they just bought or sold a house… but you weren’t the agent. Ouch. If you’ve ever wondered how to handle it when a friend or family member uses someone else, this replay of one of our most-loved episodes has the clarity and pep talk you need. Originally aired as Episode 165, this candid conversation dives deep into the reality of *working with friends and family in real estate*. From professional boundaries to emotional resilience, we share our personal stories—rejections...
info_outlineHustle Humbly Podcast
Let’s talk about the guilt loop so many Realtors get stuck in: when you’re at work, you feel guilty about missing life — and when you’re at home, you feel guilty about stepping away from your business. In this special replay of our Hustle Humbly Community Live Zoom from November, we’re diving deep into how to set boundaries during a season that’s naturally full of busyness, distraction, and high expectations (hello, holidays). This conversation is packed with relatable stories, powerful mindset shifts, and real advice from agents like you who are trying to find a way to serve their...
info_outlineHustle Humbly Podcast
The truth is: buying or selling a house can feel like a full-blown identity crisis. Realtors know it, clients feel it, and now we have a licensed therapist here to explain *why* it all gets so emotionally messy. In this episode we welcome Katy’s former client and current number one referrer, Mary Ruiz, LPC. She’s not just a real estate success story — she’s now a licensed professional counselor (and a great one at that). We chat about the mental health rollercoaster that often comes with real estate: from renovations and relocations to the unexpected triggers that show up when...
info_outlineHustle Humbly Podcast
Meet Kim — a top-producing agent, team leader, and mom — who did the *unthinkable*: she took a vacation without her phone. Twice. Kim Lafleur is a Louisiana Realtor with over 655 homes sold and $121M+ in career volume. Ranked in the top 10 out of 1,900 agents in her market, Kim is known for her client-focused approach, leadership, and ability to guide families through big life moves with care and strategy. In this candid and inspiring chat, Kim joins Katy and Alissa to share what led her to surrender her phone (literally at the airport), how she prepped her business and team...
info_outlineHustle Humbly Podcast
Ever been blindsided by a cancellation that just didn’t make sense? This week we’re sharing a raw, real story about a transaction that went sideways—only to come full circle weeks(and $15,000) later. In this episode, Alissa opens up about a recent experience with a buyer who backed out of a deal unexpectedly. What followed was a perfect storm of assumptions, zero communication, and a text message that dropped a cancellation bomb—with no phone call to discuss it first. We’re diving deep into the best practices & etiquette for Real Estate Cancellations: when you should call instead...
info_outlineEver been blindsided by a cancellation that just didn’t make sense? This week we’re sharing a raw, real story about a transaction that went sideways—only to come full circle weeks(and $15,000) later.
In this episode, Alissa opens up about a recent experience with a buyer who backed out of a deal unexpectedly. What followed was a perfect storm of assumptions, zero communication, and a text message that dropped a cancellation bomb—with no phone call to discuss it first.
We’re diving deep into the best practices & etiquette for Real Estate Cancellations: when you should call instead of texting, how to manage your client’s emotions, and what happens when professionalism goes out the window. Spoiler alert: it cost the buyer way more than they expected.
This is your podcast therapy session and masterclass in cancellation communication all rolled into one. Because y’all, some deals really *can* be saved—with the right conversation.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
- The shocking cancellation that inspired this story
- Stats on how often cancellations are happening (hint: it’s more than you think)
- What *should* happen before a cancellation is sent
- What to disclose—and when
- How to exit gracefully and protect relationships for the long game
- Tips for co-op agent professionalism in tricky transactions
Key Quotes & Takeaways
“There was a way to stop that cancellation. The buyer is still interested. They just never had the conversation.” – Alissa
“You owe that agent a phone call before you send a text or an email with a cancellation.” – Katy
“When we do a transaction together, we’re a team. That’s why it’s called a co-op agent.” – Alissa
“If I don’t advise you based on my knowledge, then I’m not doing my job.” – Katy
“Your response sets the tone for your reputation. Handle cancellations with grace and professionalism.” – Alissa
Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:
- [Episode 113: Be the Boss](https://www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/113)
- [Episode 255 & 24: Client Management](https://www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/255)
- [Episode 210: Buyer Consultation](https://www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/210)
- [Email Templates 101](http://emailtemplates101.com)
- [Agent Systems 101](http://agentsystems101.com)
- [Build Your Own Business 101](https://hustlehumblypodcast.com/byob)
- FREE Database Setup Guide: https://www.hustlehumblypodcast.com/starthere
Want to toast someone on the show?
Send us a voice or video message with your name, who you’re toasting, and why! Email it to team@hustlehumblypodcast.com.
## 🎵 MUSIC CREDITS
- “Straight A’s” by Connor Price → https://connorprice.shop/
- “The Good Life” by Summer Kennedy → https://soundcloud.com/summerkennedy/the-good-life
- “Be The One” by Matrika → https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/be-the-one