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.

In small town real estate, your reputation is everything.

You’re competing with the same agents you also need to cooperate with — and how you handle that tension will either grow your business or quietly limit it.

In this episode, we break down why agent relationships directly impact your deals, your stress, and your long-term success.

You’ll learn:

• How reputation spreads in a small market
• Why ego costs you more than you think
• The ripple effect of every transaction
• How to become an agent others want to work with

This isn’t about being liked.
It’s about being respected.

Small Town Realtor Podcast
Real talk. No ego. Just strategy for building a big business in a small market.

In this episode of the Small Town Realtor Podcast, Garrett interviews co-host Nada Kovinich about her journey building and leading an all-female real estate team in Cornwall, Ontario. She shares the real challenges behind starting a team in a small market, the lessons she’s learned as a leader, and the ongoing work required to build and protect a strong team culture.

If you’re a small-town agent thinking about building a team—or trying to grow one the right way—this episode is packed with honest insight on leadership, culture, and long-term vision. 🎙️

In small towns, everyone knows everyone… and everyone has questions.

In this episode of the Small Town Realtor Podcast, Garrett Pedlar and Nada Kovinich tackle one of the biggest pressures small-town agents face: protecting confidential information in a community where news travels faster than your latest listing.

- You know why they’re selling.- You know about the divorce.- You know the financial stress.- You know the family conflict.

And then you run into someone at the grocery store who wants the “real story.”

This is a real talk conversation about boundaries, professionalism, and why your reputation in a small market is built more on what you don’t say than what you do.

In a market where relationships overlap and word spreads fast, your character travels faster than your marketing.

If you want to build a huge business in a small town, this episode will remind you that your role isn’t storyteller — it’s protector.

Zero ego. Real experience. Actionable mindset shifts.

Because in small towns, trust spreads just as quickly as gossip.

Growth in a small town doesn’t come from moving fast—it comes from moving right.

In this episode, Garrett Pedlar and Nada Kovinich talk about why rushing deals, relationships, or business decisions can quietly hold small-town real estate agents back. We unpack real examples, lessons learned, and mindset shifts that help agents focus on reputation, trust, and long-term success instead of quick wins.

You’ll learn why slowing down can actually help you:

• Build stronger relationships in your community

• Protect your reputation in a small market

• Reduce stress and burnout

• Create sustainable growth that lasts

This is real talk for agents who want to build a huge business in a small town—without cutting corners.

In small towns, people can smell BS from a mile away — whichis why authentic community involvement matters.

In this episode of the Small Town Realtor Podcast, Garrett and Nada break down what real community involvement actually looks like (and what it isn’t). This isn’t about sponsorships or volunteering for visibility — it’s about showing up, building genuine relationships, and becoming a trusted local presence.

You’ll learn why time matters more than money, howsupporting local businesses builds long-term trust, and how becoming the “mayor” of your town online can be the easiest content strategy you’ll ever use.

Real talk. Zero ego. Built for small-town agents who want togrow through authenticity and community.