Most agents walk into real estate thinking it’s quick money, flexible hours, and fast success… and then reality hits.

In this episode, Garrett Pedlar and Nada Kovinich break down what the first 5 years actually look like—especially in a small-town market.

They get honest about the early struggles: the silence, the inconsistency, the self-doubt, and the pressure of watching others succeed while you’re still trying to figure it out.

They also unpack:

• The biggest gap between expectations vs reality
• The common patterns they see in agents who quit vs those who make it
• The ego battle of being new and needing to show up confidently
• What actually gets you through those early years (hint: it’s not motivation)
• Why most agents quit right before it starts working

This is real advice—no fluff, no sugarcoating. Just the truth about what it takes to build a lasting real estate career in a small town.

If you’re in your first few years (or thinking about getting in), this is the episode you need to hear.

In this episode of the Small Town Realtor Podcast, Garrett Pedlar and Nada Kovinich break down the new HST rebates for new builds and large renovations—and what they could mean for buyers, sellers, investors, builders, and small-town agents.

We’re talking real-world impact: Will this create more inventory? Could it spark renovation projects in aging small-town housing stock? How should agents position themselves as trusted advisors when clients start asking questions?

If you work in a smaller market, this is the kind of policy change that can create big opportunities—if you understand it early. We cut through the headlines and give you practical ways to use this news in your conversations, marketing, and business strategy.

No fluff. No ego. Just actionable insight for agents building a huge business in a small market.

Not every client is worth working with… and learning that lesson early can change your entire real estate career.

In Episode 7 of Small Town Realtor, we break down one of the toughest (but most profitable) skills in real estate: knowing when to say NO to a client.

From the fear of turning down business in a small town to the red flags agents ignore far too often, this episode dives into the real cost of working with the wrong people—and how it impacts your time, energy, reputation, and bottom line.

You’ll learn:

• The biggest red flags to watch for before signing a client
• Why “yes to everyone” is hurting your business
• How to professionally say no without burning bridges
• The mindset shift that attracts better clients (and more income)

If you’re a real estate agent looking to grow your business, protect your reputation, and build a client base that actually fuels your success—this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Because every time you say yes to the wrong client… you’re saying no to the right one.