Life & Listings: Balancing Real Estate, Scaling Your Future w/ Jennifer Staats

Jennifer Staats
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Learn how to grow your real estate business with author, CEO, business strategist, and real estate agent, Jennifer Staats. Sit down with the owner of Staats Solutions, top producing agents, and thought leaders worldwide as they share the time saving methods they used to grow their real estate business. Discover the secrets to scaling your business without sacrificing what is most important to you. Follow Life & Listings wherever you get your podcasts and get ready to build the real estate business you've always wanted.

  1. 10/20/2025

    88. From Broker to Coach: Building Scalable Profit Centers for Teams & Brokers with Chris Prefontaine

    In this episode, Jennifer Staats interviews Chris Prefontaine about his extensive real estate journey, how he turned adversity into a scalable family business, and what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur and coach in real estate. Chris shares practical strategies for brokers and agents to build additional profit centers, the mindset shifts needed for success, and why hands-on coaching is critical.   "Mindset and tenacity are as important as skill set in building a thriving business." - Chris Prefontaine   Key Discussion Topics: Chris's 34-year journey from broker to real estate coach and founder of a family business. Lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis and rebuilding with creative financing strategies. Smart Real Estate Coach's unique "in the trenches" coaching model: supporting clients from first call to closing. Creative profit centers: owner financing, lease-purchases, and subject-to deals—how agents and brokers can leverage these strategies. The top three questions to uncover seller motivation and close more deals. Adapting and scaling a business post-COVID—including going fully virtual and recruiting nationwide. Chris's personal "superpower" and insights on leading a family business. About Chris Prefontaine: Chris Prefontaine is the Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach®, a 4x best-selling author. He is a Forbes Business Council Member and a 3-time Inc 5000 Honoree for Fastest Growing Company. Wicked Smart Community operates all over North America and has successfully completed hundreds of transactions, assisting students in doing the same. Alongside his achievements, Chris hosts the Smart Real Estate Coach® Podcast, which ranks in the top 0.5% globally. Having navigated through challenges such as the crash of 2008, 9/11, a near-death experience with his son, and the impact of COVID, Chris reengineered his entire business to weather all storms and economic cycles. Understanding these challenges, he helps students navigate the constantly changing real estate waters. Chris, his family, and his team's mission focus on transforming dedicated individuals into Wicked Smart real estate investors. Chris and his wife Kim have been married for 37 years, and their adult children Nick and Kayla participate in the family business while also pursuing their own entrepreneurial ventures.   Connect with Chris: Website: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisprefontaine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHRISPRE/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisprefontaine_/ Download the Playbook: https://app.datalabz.re/forms/e23412ac-bb1a-4302-ad81-3e3d4fd744e9   Boost ROI, close more deals, and grow smarter—get your free real estate CRM guide now!: The Heartbeat of Your Business Connect with Jennifer Staats: Website: staatssolutions.com Staats Solution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staatssolutions/ Jennifer Staats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertherealtor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staatssolutions/

    19 min

  2. 10/13/2025

    87. How to Break Into the Luxury Real Estate Market with Lynne Mazin

    In this episode of Life and Listings, Lynne Samone Mazin shares her journey from Wall Street to the heart of Manhattan's luxury real estate market, revealing how she built a thriving career by leveraging her finance background, creating a "Hot 100" network, and embracing the power of mentorship and collaboration. From navigating the challenges of leaving corporate stability behind to launching a high-performing team at Compass, Lynne opens up about the strategies, mindset, and daily actions that helped her break into the ultra-competitive luxury space. Packed with practical tips—like networking with intention, putting yourself where your clients are, and never underestimating the value of authentic relationships—this conversation is a masterclass for anyone looking to succeed in real estate, whether you're just starting out or aiming for the luxury market. "You get a lot of no's before you get a yes. And you have to be resilient and keep your eye on the prize. You know what you need and what you want, and you have to commit to yourself to get it." - Lynne Mazin What you'll gain from this episode: Plan your transition – Leaving corporate for real estate requires financial preparation and resilience. Leverage your network – Build and nurture a "Hot 100" list of mentors, peers, and potential clients. Seek mentorship and sponsorship – Learn the business from experienced agents and connect with people who can open doors. Put yourself where clients are – Be present in the places your ideal clients spend time to build authentic connections. Value teamwork – Collaboration multiplies opportunities, support, and client success. Master the art of closing – Strong negotiation skills and persistence are key to getting deals over the finish line. About Lynne Mazin: Lynne Samone Mazin provides a premier, bespoke real estate experience for each client. Lynne Samone holds a JD and an MBA from Cornell. Her expertise is in luxury real estate, concentrated in New York City and the Hamptons. Prior to joining Compass, she was a leading producer on Wall Street where she advised sophisticated global investors including Hedge Funds, Central Banks and Sovereign Wealth Funds. Lynne Samone is an essential resource in real estate. She understands the complexities of investments and has mastered negotiation strategies to achieve success. She is a seasoned deal maker who enjoys a unique perspective on asset valuation, industry trends, the economic climate and regulatory matters. Her passion to advocate for her clients and critical market knowledge empowers her clients to achieve exceptional results. Lynne Samone is committed to making a social impact and contributes to organizations which support the greater New York City community including Robin Hood, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, Ghetto Film School and Moving Mountains Theater Company.   Connect with Lynne: Website: https://mazinenterprises.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mazinluxuryrealestate Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lynnesamonemazin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmazin/ Download the Playbook: https://app.datalabz.re/forms/e23412ac-bb1a-4302-ad81-3e3d4fd744e9   Boost ROI, close more deals, and grow smarter—get your free real estate CRM guide now!: The Heartbeat of Your Business   Connect with Jennifer Staats: Website: staatssolutions.com Staats Solution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staatssolutions/ Jennifer Staats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertherealtor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staatssolutions/

    18 min

  3. 10/06/2025

    86. Systematizing Your Yearly Events: Create Memorable Moments, Build Community, Repeat with Ease

    Have a listen to this episode of the Life and Listings podcast as Jennifer Staats breaks down how to plan and host yearly community or sphere-of-influence events without the stress. From seasonal gatherings like Easter egg hunts and holiday parties to practical and cost-effective ideas such as shredding days, supply drives, and safety workshops, you'll learn how to create repeatable systems, track ROI, and maximize engagement. Jennifer also shares a free downloadable playbook packed with templates and SOPs to help you run smooth, budget-friendly, and impactful events year after year. Don't miss this episode filled with actionable strategies to make your events more effective and rewarding.   "After that event wraps up, I want you to pause and I want you to reflect on what worked and what didn't. So you can repeat that if it really worked. You can repeat these over and over again, and these events are going to become more effective, less costly, and you're going to get a higher return on investment."   Check out these highlights from the discussion: Plan for Repeatability – When hosting an event, design it with the intention of repeating it yearly. Systems, templates, and documentation make it easier, more cost-effective, and more impactful over time. Start Small with Anchor Events – Focus on one to four recurring anchor events each year, such as seasonal celebrations, family-oriented activities, or community-based gatherings, to build consistency and engagement. Engagement Over Expense – Choose events that allow genuine interaction (e.g., barbecues, outdoor movies, safety workshops, or pet contests) rather than focusing on large budgets. Track Budget and ROI – Always record expenses, attendance, and outcomes. Tracking allows you to evaluate success, cut costs in future years, and measure the return on investment. Use Checklists and SOPs – Create a standardized checklist and document your processes (e.g., vendors, supplies, logistics) to streamline event planning and avoid repetitive mistakes. Reflect and Optimize – After each event, assess what worked and what didn't. Apply these insights to refine future events, making them easier to run, more effective, and more rewarding. Download the Playbook: https://app.datalabz.re/forms/e23412ac-bb1a-4302-ad81-3e3d4fd744e9   Free Download - The Heartbeat of Your Business: Your CRM https://staatssolutions.com/2025/08/05/real-estate-crm-heartbeat-of-your-business/ Connect with Jennifer Staats: Website: staatssolutions.com Staats Solution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staatssolutions/ Jennifer Staats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertherealtor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staatssolutions/

    10 min

  4. 09/01/2025

    85. Mastering Your CRM Setup for Teams & Brokerages

    Mastering your CRM setup could be the game-changer your real estate business needs. In this episode of Life and Listings, Jennifer dives deep into building a powerful database, setting up automation, defining clear stages, and creating smooth onboarding processes for your team. From avoiding costly mistakes to implementing follow-up reminders and targeted marketing strategies, this playbook-style episode is packed with actionable tips you can apply today. Don't miss out—tap in and download this month's free playbook to streamline your systems and scale your business effectively!   "A CRM is more than contact storage. It's going to help you scale your business. It's going to hold your entire sales pipeline, and it's going to hold your agents accountable."   What you need to remember from this episode: A well-structured CRM is essential for scaling your real estate business and managing your sales pipeline effectively. Clear automation, tags, and stages help prevent lost leads, missed follow-ups, and team confusion. Consistency in tagging and stage definitions ensures accurate data and targeted marketing opportunities. Automation should include follow-up reminders and drip campaigns to keep leads engaged without manual effort. Onboarding processes must define CRM usage requirements such as navigation, data entry standards, and accountability. Regular data cleanup is crucial for maintaining an accurate and organized database. Contracts should clarify ownership of contacts and leads to avoid disputes when agents leave the team. Downloadable playbooks and explainer sheets provide practical tools for implementing these strategies effectively.     Download the Playbook: https://app.datalabz.re/forms/e23412ac-bb1a-4302-ad81-3e3d4fd744e9   Free Download - The Heartbeat of Your Business: Your CRM https://staatssolutions.com/2025/08/05/real-estate-crm-heartbeat-of-your-business/   Connect with Jennifer Staats: Website: staatssolutions.com Staats Solution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staatssolutions/ Jennifer Staats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertherealtor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staatssolutions/

    10 min

  5. 08/04/2025

    84. Start Strong, Finish Smooth: Building Smart Onboarding & Offboarding Workflows

    If you're scaling a team, hiring support, or simply trying to bring more clarity and consistency into your business, you won't want to miss this episode of the Life and Listings podcast. In Episode 84, Jennifer Staats dives deep into the often-overlooked areas of onboarding and offboarding—breaking down exactly why they matter, what steps you need to take, and how to create efficient systems that truly support growth. Whether you're bringing on agents, admins, or contractors, this episode is packed with actionable tips, templates, and examples to help you build workflows that actually work. Tune in and grab the free playbook to start optimizing your onboarding process today!   "One of the key elements that every onboarding should include is role clarity, who's doing what? What's the expectations there? Whether it's your team or and or your agent, or the person being on boarded, who's doing what? What tools and systems does this person need access to be successful? So think through that ahead of time. Think about the things they need to be successful to bring them into your team."   Key Highlights: Onboarding and offboarding are essential workflows that go beyond paperwork—they shape the new hire's experience and prevent chaos, confusion, and broken promises. Every onboarding plan should include role clarity, tools and systems access, cultural and brand integration, and clear checklists to ensure consistency and alignment across your team. All documentation should be role-based rather than name-based, so your systems remain scalable and adaptable as team members come and go. Onboarding and offboarding plans must be customized for different types of team members, such as agents, contractors, and employees, since each role has unique needs and requirements. Using templates and checklists with linked resources like emails, videos, and brand materials can significantly reduce time spent and minimize mistakes in the onboarding process. Your onboarding and offboarding systems should be treated as living documents that evolve over time with team feedback, growing needs, and changing tools—ideally with someone owning the process.     Download the Playbook: https://app.datalabz.re/forms/e23412ac-bb1a-4302-ad81-3e3d4fd744e9   Connect with Jennifer Staats: Website: staatssolutions.com Staats Solution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staatssolutions/ Jennifer Staats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertherealtor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staatssolutions/

    12 min

  6. 07/07/2025

    83. Workflows That Scale: Start Small, Grow Big

    If you're ready to move from feeling busy to being truly efficient in your real estate business, don't miss the latest solo episode of the Life and Listings podcast with Jennifer Staats. In this edition, Jennifer dives into the importance of workflows that scale—breaking down how simple checklists can transform your daily operations into consistent, replicable systems that support growth, accountability, and better client service. Whether you're a solo agent or leading a growing team, you'll walk away with practical tips and a free downloadable playbook to get started. Hit that play button now and take the first step toward building a scalable, stress-free business!   "A scalable workflow, to me, means something that you can replicate every single time, and it's the exact same, because then I'm going to tell you how to improve those workflows in the in the future."   Key takeaways: Start Small to Scale Smart: Effective workflows begin with simple checklists. Even solo agents can document their tasks step-by-step to build consistency and efficiency, forming the foundation for scalable systems. Workflows Enhance Consistency and Reputation: Clear workflows ensure that every client and transaction receives the same level of service, which strengthens your brand, improves referrals, and reduces errors or missed steps. Document Before You Delegate: Delegation isn't scalable unless tasks are well-documented. You can't expect a VA or team member to perform reliably without clear instructions—automated, documented workflows make this possible. Define Roles, Not People: Build workflows around roles (e.g., marketer, transaction coordinator), not individuals. This approach allows for seamless delegation, onboarding, and adjustments as your team grows. Continuously Improve Your Systems: Workflows should be treated as living, breathing documents. Regularly review and refine them based on feedback, market changes, or new tools and insights to keep your business efficient and evolving.     Download the Playbook: https://app.datalabz.re/forms/e23412ac-bb1a-4302-ad81-3e3d4fd744e9   Connect with Jennifer Staats: Website: staatssolutions.com Staats Solution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staatssolutions/ Jennifer Staats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertherealtor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staatssolutions/

    15 min

  7. 06/02/2025

    82. Construction, Collaboration, and Commercial Success: A Real Estate Journey with Joao Macavilca

    In this episode of Life and Listings, we sit down with Joao, a commercial general contractor and real estate investor who's scaled from a single duplex to owning 91 doors — with plans to add 50 more this year! From humble beginnings to high-level partnerships, Joao shares how one networking event changed everything, the unconventional path he took into ownership, and some truly wild renovation stories (yes, including a funnel in a drain pipe). Whether you're in real estate or just love a good success story, this one's packed with value and laughs. Listen now!   "Just talk to everyone, find out what you can become friends, see what you can offer them." - Joao   Key takeaways: Networking Can Be a Game-Changer Joao's entire business trajectory shifted after attending just one real estate event. Despite being introverted, stepping out of his comfort zone led to meeting the partners who helped him scale from a few duplexes to owning 91 doors. Bring Value to the Table — Not Just Capital Joao's growth didn't come from deep pockets but from offering his skills in construction. By solving a major pain point for investors — reliable, cost-effective renovations — he earned equity and long-term partnerships. Hands-On Experience Builds Long-Term Advantage Learning construction from a young age (thanks to his dad's DIY attitude), Joao was able to do his own renovations, save money early on, and eventually build a full construction team, giving him leverage in every deal. Unlikely Situations Teach Valuable Lessons Joao's wild stories — like discovering a funnel rigged into a drainpipe — highlight the importance of thorough inspections and the unexpected challenges real estate investors can face. Each situation became a learning opportunity that helped him grow. About Joao Macavilca:   Joao Macavilca is an esteemed professional in commercial construction and real estate investment with a remarkable 7-year journey marked by expertise and achievements. Alongside my extensive experience in general contracting, I am a seasoned real estate investor, boasting ownership of a diverse portfolio comprising single-family and multifamily properties. My accomplishments extend to successfully flipping over 48 commercial properties, and 24 single-family homes showcasing a prowess for strategic investments and high-value additions. Whether orchestrating commercial additions, implementing transformative renovations, or navigating intricate real estate transactions, my holistic approach ensures projects are not only executed with precision but are also positioned for substantial returns. I have cultivated strong professional relationships with top-tier material suppliers and highly skilled subcontractors. This network allows me to access premium materials at competitive prices and collaborate with a reliable team of experts. With a commitment to excellence and a proven track record in both construction and real estate investment, I am your trusted partner for projects that demand a blend of experience, vision, and financial acumen. Let's build and grow together.   Connect with Joao: Website: www.stf-capital.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joaomac_stf/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STFCapital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joao-macavilca-478383136/     Download the Playbook: https://app.datalabz.re/forms/e23412ac-bb1a-4302-ad81-3e3d4fd744e9   Connect with Jennifer Staats: Website: staatssolutions.com Staats Solution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staatssolutions/ Jennifer Staats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertherealtor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staatssolutions/

    17 min

  8. 05/12/2025

    81. Why Private Credit Is the Secret Weapon in Real Estate Investing? With Kevin Amolsch

    In the latest episode of Life and Listings, Jennifer Staats sits down with Kevin, a seasoned real estate investor and founder of Pine Financial, to unpack how he turned a college side hustle into a billion-dollar lending business. They dive into building wealth through real estate, the power of passive income from private debt, how to measure true success beyond money, and why now might be the perfect time to "become the bank." If you're in real estate—or just curious about smart investing—this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now to hear Kevin's insights and grab his free report at thepinereport.com!   "Very few people that I talk to that really have a grasp of this concept will say it has anything to do with money or number of doors or square feet of property that you own, it's typically going to be, what's my freedom and lifestyle, or how am I helping this specific person in my life?" - Kevin   Key Takeaways: Start Early and Think Creatively: Kevin began investing in real estate at 21, using creative financing techniques like leveraging other people's money. This approach allowed him to build a rental portfolio while still in college and laid the foundation for a successful career. The Power of Private Lending: Kevin shifted from flipping houses to becoming a private lender, highlighting that being "the bank" can be a highly profitable and lower-risk strategy. Private debt allows for consistent, passive income and offers control over lending standards. Education is Essential for Private Credit: Many real estate professionals miss out on private lending opportunities due to a lack of understanding. Kevin recommends starting with educational resources like BiggerPockets or investing in professionally managed funds to get started. Redefining Success: Success, according to Kevin, isn't about the number of properties or the size of a paycheck—it's about impact. Whether it's buying a house for his dad or building a team that changes lives, Kevin emphasizes purpose-driven success. Real Estate Stability Amid Economic Uncertainty: While market volatility and political decisions (like tariffs) affect stocks, Kevin argues that real estate and private debt offer more stability and serve as inflation hedges, making them attractive even during uncertain times. About Kevin Amolsch: Kevin is a successful investor and lender, specializing in creative real estate funding.His company manages multiple mortgage funds and is approaching $1 billion in funding   Connect with Kevin: Websites: https://pinefinancialgroup.com/  https://thepinereport.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/pinefinancial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinamolsch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PineFinancial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinefinancial/.      Download the Playbook: https://app.datalabz.re/forms/e23412ac-bb1a-4302-ad81-3e3d4fd744e9   Connect with Jennifer Staats: Website: staatssolutions.com Staats Solution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staatssolutions/ Jennifer Staats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifertherealtor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staatssolutions/

    21 min
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About

Learn how to grow your real estate business with author, CEO, business strategist, and real estate agent, Jennifer Staats. Sit down with the owner of Staats Solutions, top producing agents, and thought leaders worldwide as they share the time saving methods they used to grow their real estate business. Discover the secrets to scaling your business without sacrificing what is most important to you. Follow Life & Listings wherever you get your podcasts and get ready to build the real estate business you've always wanted.

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