People, Not Titles

Stephen Kaempf
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the People, Not Titles Podcast, where we delve into the inspiring stories and experiences of real estate professionals and entrepreneurs. Join us as we shine a light on their journeys, successes, and challenges, giving voice to their brand and story. Get ready to be motivated, learn valuable insights, and be inspired to turn your own dreams into reality. Tune in to the People, Not Titles podcast and let these remarkable individuals ignite your entrepreneurial spirit!

  1. Chicago Housing Market BOOMING Again? Inflation, Google & New Rental Laws Could Change Everything

    10h ago

    Chicago Housing Market BOOMING Again? Inflation, Google & New Rental Laws Could Change Everything

    CHICAGO HOUSING MARKET BOOMING AGAIN? | Inflation, Google & New Rental Laws Could Change Everything Welcome back to Market Trends with Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi. Chicago Housing Market BOOMING Again? Inflation, Google & New Rental Laws Could Change Everything In this week's episode, we break down the biggest developments impacting the Chicago real estate market, the U.S. economy, and housing trends across the country. From inflation updates and Federal Reserve expectations to rising home sales, increasing inventory, Google's nationwide real estate expansion, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed renter protection ordinance, this episode covers the stories every homeowner, investor, landlord, and real estate professional needs to understand. We also discuss: → Latest CPI Inflation Report → Federal Reserve Interest Rate Outlook → Existing Home Sales Surge → Chicago Housing Market Trends → First-Time Home Buyer Activity → Rising Foreclosure Numbers → Brandon Johnson's Rental Housing Proposal → Google's Expansion Into Real Estate Search → MLS Industry Changes → World Cup Impact on Real Estate Markets → Investor Opportunities in 2026 00:00 Intro & Headlines 01:05 Iran Conflict Update & Fed Meeting 04:15 Inflation Report Breakdown 08:20 Food, Gas & Consumer Costs 11:40 Housing & Shelter Costs 14:20 Existing Home Sales Update 18:30 Chicago Housing Market Analysis 21:15 Inventory, Pricing & Buyer Trends 24:05 Brandon Johnson Rental Ordinance 28:10 Google Expands Into Real Estate 30:45 Foreclosure Trends & Investor Opportunities 33:00 MLS Leadership Changes 34:15 World Cup Impact On Real Estate 35:40 Final Thoughts & Predictions 36:33 Outro Whether you're buying, selling, investing, or simply trying to understand where the market is headed next, this episode provides valuable insights, expert opinions, and real-world analysis to help you make smarter decisions. People, Not Titles Podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our mission is to highlight success principles, leadership lessons, and practical strategies that help professionals thrive. Full Episodes Available:[www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com) Follow People, Not Titles: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitles Twitter/X:https://twitter.com/sjkaempf Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv Subscribe for weekly episodes covering: • Chicago Real Estate • Housing Market Updates • Real Estate Investing • Business Success Strategies • Leadership Development • Market Trends If you enjoy this episode, please Like, Subscribe, Share, and leave a Review. Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations and market insights to professionals across the country. #ChicagoRealEstate #HousingMarket #RealEstatePodcast #MarketTrends #RealEstateInvesting

    37 min
  2. Chicago Housing Market Just Changed: What Zillow, The Fed & Homeowners Aren't Telling You

    Jun 9

    Chicago Housing Market Just Changed: What Zillow, The Fed & Homeowners Aren't Telling You

    Chicago Real Estate Market Update | June 2026 The Chicago housing market continues to evolve, and in this episode of People, Not Titles, Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi break down the biggest stories impacting buyers, sellers, investors, and real estate professionals across Chicago and the United States. This week we discuss the latest May Jobs Report, Zillow's Rent vs. Buy Analysis, mortgage rate trends, Federal Reserve policy changes, housing affordability challenges, seller behavior, and what these developments mean for the future of the Chicago real estate market. Key Topics Covered: → May Jobs Report & Labor Market Trends → Federal Reserve Interest Rate Outlook → Zillow's 2026 Rent vs Buy Study → Chicago Housing Market Forecasts → Housing Affordability Challenges → Compass & Industry News Updates → Economic Trends Affecting Home Buyers Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, experienced investor, real estate agent, lender, broker, entrepreneur, or simply interested in where the housing market is headed, this episode provides practical insights and real-world analysis to help you make smarter decisions. Full episodes available at [www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com) People, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our mission is to highlight success principles, leadership lessons, and real-world strategies that help professionals thrive in business and life. Connect With People, Not Titles: Website: [www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitles X (Twitter):https://twitter.com/sjkaempf Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv 00:00 Introduction & Market Overview 01:15 May Jobs Report Breakdown 05:12 Wage Growth, Employment Trends & Economic Signals 08:30 What The Labor Market Means For Real Estate 11:45 Zillow's 2026 Rent vs Buy Report 16:20 Chicago Housing Market Analysis 19:45 Why Chicago Continues To Outperform 22:10 Federal Reserve & Interest Rate Outlook 27:05 Mortgage Rates & Housing Affordability 29:55 Compass Investigation & Industry News 32:45 Sellers Pulling Listings Across The U.S. 35:10 NAR Legislative Updates 36:40 Viewer Mail: Best Real Estate & Business Books 38:18 Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share. Your support helps us continue bringing valuable conversations and market insights to our audience every week. #ChicagoRealEstate #HousingMarket #RealEstateInvesting #MortgageRates #PeopleNotTitles

    38 min
  3. From Restaurant Failure to a $5M Lending Business | Funding 100+ Real Estate Deals in Chicago

    Jun 8

    From Restaurant Failure to a $5M Lending Business | Funding 100+ Real Estate Deals in Chicago

    What if you could build wealth through real estate without becoming a landlord, managing tenants, or flipping houses yourself?In this powerful episode of the People, Not Titles Podcast, host Steve Kaempf sits down with Ed Thelen, Founder of 79th Avenue Lending, to uncover the remarkable story behind one of Chicago's fastest-growing private real estate lending companies.Ed's journey is anything but ordinary.Starting as a full-time Occupational Therapist, he spent years living paycheck-to-paycheck before discovering a completely different path to financial freedom. After navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, including owning a restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ed pivoted into private real estate lending and has since helped fund more than 100 real estate investment projects.In this episode you'll discover:→ How Ed transitioned from traditional employment into entrepreneurship→ Lessons learned from operating a restaurant during COVID→ The truth about private money lending→ How investors earn passive income through real estate-backed loans→ Building wealth using Self-Directed IRAs→ What separates successful investors from unsuccessful ones→ How to evaluate real estate deals like a professional lender→ Common mistakes new investors make→ The power of networking, education, and community→ Why character matters more than numbers in real estate investingWhether you're a beginner investor, experienced real estate entrepreneur, lender, realtor, wholesaler, house flipper, or someone looking for alternative investment opportunities, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies.About People, Not TitlesPeople, Not Titles is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to highlighting professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders who are making a meaningful impact in their industries.Our mission is simple:To uncover the principles of success that help ordinary people achieve extraordinary results.Full Episodes:www.peoplenottitles.comFollow People, Not Titles:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitlesFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitlesTwitter/X:https://twitter.com/sjkaempfSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv00:00 Introduction01:12 Meet Ed Thelen03:45 Early Entrepreneurial Journey06:58 Growing Up Financially Challenged10:12 Occupational Therapy & Business13:25 Launching A Restaurant Business17:48 COVID Challenges & Survival22:40 Pivoting Into Real Estate Lending26:15 First Private Lending Deal30:08 Discovering Real Estate Investing33:45 Building 79th Avenue Lending37:20 Funding Over 100 Real Estate Deals40:15 Private Money Lending Explained43:30 Passive Income & Self-Directed IRAs46:55 Real Estate Investing Lessons49:20 Common Investor Mistakes52:05 Future Growth Plans54:12 Final Advice & Closing Thoughts#RealEstateInvesting#ChicagoRealEstate#PassiveIncome#PrivateMoneyLending#FinancialFreedom

    56 min
  4. Chicago Real Estate Just Shocked America | Home Prices Lead The Nation

    Jun 2

    Chicago Real Estate Just Shocked America | Home Prices Lead The Nation

    Chicago is once again making national headlines, and this time for all the right reasons. Nobody Saw This Coming: Chicago Leads America In Home Price Growth While Investors Pull Back While many housing markets across the United States are experiencing slower growth, declining investor activity, and affordability challenges, Chicago has emerged as one of the strongest-performing real estate markets in America. In this episode of People, Not Titles, hosts Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi break down the latest housing market data, investor trends, policy changes, and economic developments that are shaping the future of real estate across Chicago, Illinois, and the nation. We discuss why Chicago is leading the country in home price appreciation, what the latest Redfin investor report reveals about shrinking investor purchases, how rising mortgage rates continue to impact buyers and real estate professionals, and what the newly approved Illinois Property Tax Sale Reform could mean for homeowners, investors, and local governments. You'll also hear our insights on the future of the housing market, Berkshire Hathaway’s major expansion into homebuilding, Federal Reserve policy expectations, mortgage rate forecasts, and the opportunities that still exist for investors willing to adapt to today's changing market conditions. Whether you're a homeowner, first-time buyer, Realtor, investor, lender, entrepreneur, or simply interested in understanding where the real estate market is heading next, this episode delivers valuable market intelligence, practical insights, and real-world analysis you can use immediately. 00:00 Chicago Real Estate Market Update 01:45 Massive Commission Settlement News 05:30 Investors Pull Back From Housing Market 10:20 The New Reality For Real Estate Investors 14:05 Chicago Investment Market Breakdown 17:15 Housing Slowdown Impacts Realtors 22:10 The Realtor Industry Shake-Up 25:00 Chicago Becomes America's Hottest Housing Market 29:00 Berkshire Hathaway Expands Into Housing 31:45 New Illinois Property Tax Rules 35:00 Mortgage Rates & Fed Predictions 37:00 Chicago Bears Stadium Decision 38:37 Thanks For Watching Topics Covered: • Chicago leads the nation in home price growth • Investor purchases hit their lowest level since 2020 • The shrinking real estate agent population • New Illinois property tax sale legislation explained • Berkshire Hathaway's latest housing acquisition • Federal Reserve outlook and mortgage rate predictions • Housing affordability and inventory challenges • Real estate investing opportunities in 2026 • Chicago market forecast and expert insights People, Not Titles is dedicated to highlighting successful professionals, sharing proven success principles, and helping individuals build stronger businesses, careers, investments, and communities. Full Episodes:[www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com) Follow People, Not Titles: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitles X (Twitter):https://twitter.com/sjkaempf Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv Subscribe for weekly real estate market updates, investment strategies, industry insights, and interviews with top-performing professionals across the country. #ChicagoRealEstate #HousingMarket #RealEstateInvesting

    39 min

  5. May 27

    Chicago Home Buyers Are Struggling… And It’s Getting Worse

    Chicago’s real estate market is going through one of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in years. Zillow vs Compass WAR Is Breaking Chicago Real Estate In this episode of the People, Not Titles Podcast, Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi break down the growing battle between Zillow, Compass, private listings, and the future of real estate transparency in Chicago and across the country. From inventory shortages and rising home prices to Google’s re-entry into the home search market, this episode covers the real issues impacting buyers, sellers, investors, agents, and renters right now. 00:00 – Chicago Real Estate Market Chaos Begins 01:18 – Zillow vs Compass WAR Explained 04:42 – Why Chicago Realtors Are Furious 07:25 – Private Listings Controversy 10:11 – Are Private Listings Hurting Sellers? 13:08 – Dual Agency Problems Explained 16:02 – Zillow’s $1.5 Billion Consumer Loss Claim 18:45 – Chicago Affordable Housing Portal Update 21:14 – New Rental Search System In Chicago 23:26 – Massive Real Estate REIT Merger 26:12 – Equity Residential & AvalonBay Deal 28:44 – Google Re-Enters Real Estate 31:05 – Google vs Zillow Future Predictions 32:40 – Chicago Housing Market Statistics 2026 34:02 – Inventory Crisis & Rising Home Prices 35:18 – Final Market Predictions & Closing Thoughts 36:34 – End Chicago home prices continue to rise while inventory keeps shrinking, creating intense competition for buyers throughout the metro area. Steve and Matt discuss what this means for the future of the Chicago housing market and how investors and homeowners can stay ahead of the changes. This episode also dives into: → Zillow’s legal battle with Compass → Private listing networks → Dual agency concerns → Real estate transparency → Chicago market trends → Google is entering the housing search space → Housing affordability challenges → Real estate investment opportunities Whether you're a home buyer, seller, investor, realtor, or simply interested in the future of Chicago real estate, this episode delivers insider insights and real-world analysis you won’t hear anywhere else. Full episodes available at:www.peoplenottitles.comPeople, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles of our colleagues and provide market insights that help professionals thrive. Follow People, Not Titles: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitles Twitter/X:https://twitter.com/sjkaempf Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv Subscribe for weekly Chicago real estate news, market trends, housing insights, investment strategies, and business success conversations. #ChicagoRealEstate #HousingMarket #Zillow #Compass #RealEstatePodcast

    37 min

  6. May 21

    How Smart Realtors Use AI & Personal Branding to Dominate the Market | Allan Stern

    In this powerful episode of the People, Not Titles Podcast, Steve Kaempf sits down with Allan Stern, founder of Persona Marketing, to break down the future of real estate marketing, personal branding, AI, and social media growth. How Smart Realtors Use AI & Personal Branding to Dominate the Market | Allan Stern. If you’re a realtor, entrepreneur, business owner, or content creator trying to stand out in today’s crowded marketplace, this episode is packed with game-changing insights that can completely shift the way you grow your business and attract clients online. Alan shares his viral “HEAT Method” framework:→ Humor→ Education→ Adding Value,→ Trust You’ll learn why most real estate agents fail on social media, how successful entrepreneurs build authority online, and why personal branding is becoming more important than ever in the age of AI. This conversation dives deep into: • How to become a “Market of One” • Building trust before selling • Creating viral content that actually converts • Using AI tools like ChatGPT to grow your business • Why connection beats traditional selling • How top realtors dominate social media • The psychology behind attention & authority • The difference between positioning vs connection • Why niche branding creates long-term success • How entrepreneurs can attract opportunities organically Whether you’re in real estate, sales, marketing, networking, entrepreneurship, or personal branding, this episode will give you practical strategies you can start using immediately. 00:00 – Intro & Allan Stern Returns 01:42 – Why Most Entrepreneurs Stay Invisible 04:15 – The HEAT Method Explained 08:10 – Positioning vs Connection 12:35 – Why Realtors Fail on Social Media 16:20 – How AI Is Changing Marketing Forever 20:08 – Becoming a “Market of One” 24:30 – Personal Branding Psychology 29:12 – How to Build Trust Online 33:45 – Viral Content Strategy for Realtors 38:10 – Why Niche Branding Wins 41:26 – Entrepreneurship, Passion & Energy 44:02 – Final Advice for Realtors & Business Owners Full episodes available at:[www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com) People, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight success principles from successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry experts to help others thrive. Follow People, Not Titles:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitlesFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitlesTwitter/X → https://twitter.com/sjkaempfSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv#RealEstate #PersonalBranding #AI #Entrepreneur #podcast

    46 min

  7. May 20

    Chicago Real Estate Market Update | Zillow Lawsuit, Mortgage Rates & Inflation

    Chicago real estate is changing faster than ever, and this episode breaks down everything buyers, sellers, investors, and real estate professionals need to know right now. Chicago Real Estate Market Update | Zillow Lawsuit, Mortgage Rates & Inflation In this episode of the People, Not Titles Podcast, Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi dive deep into the biggest stories impacting the housing market across Chicago and the United States. From the explosive Zillow vs Compass lawsuit to rising inflation, mortgage rate uncertainty, new construction lawsuits, and major changes coming to the real estate industry, this conversation covers the topics everyone in real estate is talking about. The episode begins with Kevin Warsh officially being confirmed as the new Fed Chair and what his leadership could mean for mortgage rates, inflation control, and the future direction of the U.S. economy. Steve and Matt discuss whether rates could finally move lower later this year and what current market conditions suggest for buyers and investors moving forward. The conversation then shifts into one of the most controversial real estate stories of the year: Zillow suing Compass over listing access, private listings, MLS data, and the growing battle for control over real estate inventory. The hosts explain how this lawsuit could reshape listing transparency, broker control, and the future of real estate platforms nationwide, especially in Chicago. Additional topics include: → Rising inflation and the impact of energy prices on mortgage rates → Why new construction homebuilders are facing an increasing number of lawsuits → Cook County tax sale rulings and why they may now be considered unconstitutional → Chicago’s surprising population growth update in 2025 → The future of private listings and broker-controlled inventory → Real estate market predictions for the rest of the year Whether you’re a homebuyer, real estate investor, realtor, broker, lender, or simply someone trying to understand where the housing market is headed, this episode delivers valuable insight, real market perspective, and honest conversations from professionals actively working in the industry every day. 00:00 – Intro & Chicago Real Estate Market Overview 01:18 – Kevin Warsh Confirmed As New Fed Chair 05:42 – Will Mortgage Rates Drop In 2026? 09:11 – Zillow vs Compass Lawsuit Explained 15:37 – Private Listings & MLS Controversy 20:04 – Inflation & Rising Energy Prices Impact Housing 24:31 – Mortgage Rate Pressure On Homebuyers 27:46 – New Construction Homes Facing Lawsuits 31:58 – Why Some New Homes Are Falling Apart 34:12 – Cook County Tax Sales Ruled Unconstitutional 36:48 – Chicago Population Growth Update 38:02 – Viewer Questions & Market Predictions 39:12 – Final Thoughts & Closing Message Full episodes available at: [www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com) People, Not Titles podcast is hosted by Steve Kaempf and is dedicated to lifting up professionals in the real estate and business community. Our inspiration is to highlight the success principles of our colleagues. The Success Series is designed to help professionals grow, thrive, and succeed in business and life. Follow People, Not Titles: → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitles→ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitles → Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/sjkaempf → Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTv Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE if you enjoy weekly Chicago real estate market updates, business insights, and housing market trends. #ChicagoRealEstate #HousingMarket #MortgageRates #RealEstatePodcast #ZillowVsCompass

    40 min

  8. May 12

    Chicago Lost 64% Of Its Housing Inventory

    Chicago Housing Market Is Running Out of Homes… And Nobody Is Talking About It.Chicago Lost 64% Of Its Housing Inventory | Buyers Are PanickingIn this explosive episode of People, Not Titles Podcast, Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi break down the shocking reality behind Chicago’s collapsing housing inventory, rising home prices, mortgage trends, Wall Street real estate consolidation, and the future of the U.S. housing market in 2026.With Chicago inventory now down nearly 64% compared to pre-pandemic levels, buyers are facing one of the most competitive and unpredictable real estate markets in modern history. While the national inventory slowly improves, Chicago continues to experience an unprecedented housing shortage that could permanently reshape affordability, investing opportunities, and homeownership across the Midwest.But that’s only the beginning…This episode also dives deep into:→ April Existing Home Sales Report→ Why Home Prices Keep Rising Nationwide→ Mortgage Rates & Housing Affordability Updates→ Zillow + Realtor.com Partnership Shockwaves→ eXp Realty Acquires NextHome→ Compass & Anywhere Real Estate Financial Breakdown→ AI, Data Centers & The Future of Real Estate→ Better-Than-Expected U.S. Jobs Report→ Why Chicago Buyers Only Have 1/3 Of The Homes They Had In 2019Whether you're a real estate investor, homebuyer, realtor, entrepreneur, or someone trying to understand where the market is heading next this episode delivers powerful insights, real-world analysis, and honest conversations you won’t hear in mainstream media.Hosted by Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi, People, Not Titles Podcast is dedicated to uplifting professionals in the real estate and business community by sharing success principles, market intelligence, and authentic conversations that inspire growth and opportunity.00:00 – Intro & Chicago Market Shock01:12 – April Existing Home Sales Report04:25 – Inventory Crisis Across Chicago07:10 – Rising Home Prices Explained10:08 – Mortgage Rates & Affordability Update13:42 – First-Time Buyers Return To Market16:18 – U.S. Jobs Report Beats Expectations20:05 – eXp Realty Acquires NextHome24:40 – Compass & Anywhere Real Estate Earnings28:16 – Zillow & Realtor.com Partnership31:22 – Chicago Inventory Collapse Analysis34:10 – AI, Data Centers & Future Housing Trends35:40 – Viewer Questions & Final PredictionsFull Episodes Available At:[www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com)FOLLOW PEOPLE, NOT TITLES PODCASTInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/peoplenottitlesFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/peoplenottitlesTwitter/X → https://twitter.com/sjkaempfSpotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/1uu5kTvIf you enjoy real estate market updates, investing insights, housing trends, business success strategies, and Chicago real estate analysis make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly episodes.#ChicagoRealEstate #HousingMarket #RealEstatePodcast #ChicagoHousing #RealEstateInvesting

    36 min
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About

Welcome to the People, Not Titles Podcast, where we delve into the inspiring stories and experiences of real estate professionals and entrepreneurs. Join us as we shine a light on their journeys, successes, and challenges, giving voice to their brand and story. Get ready to be motivated, learn valuable insights, and be inspired to turn your own dreams into reality. Tune in to the People, Not Titles podcast and let these remarkable individuals ignite your entrepreneurial spirit!

Information

  • Creator
    Stephen Kaempf
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    175
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stephen Kaempf
  • Show Website
    People, Not Titles

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