PODCAST · education
People, Not Titles
by Stephen Kaempf
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!
Episodes
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From Trading Floors to Penthouses: Jason Stratton's Investment Playbook
In this episode of the People Not Titles podcast, host Steve Kaempf sits down with Jason Stratton—a former high-volume trader turned top-producing Chicago real estate broker with Jameson Sotheby's and host of The Jason Theory podcast. Jason brings his sharp financial background and risk-reward...
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Why the Midwest Is Losing Its Housing Affordability Safe Haven
In this episode of Market Trends, hosts Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf dive into the latest shifts in real estate. From high-stakes industry legal battles and interest rate dynamics to regional market shifts and customer service failures, we break down what you need to know today. In this…
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Why Buyers Are FINALLY Gaining Leverage in Real Estate
In this episode of Market Trends, hosts Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi break down the latest economic news, real estate data, and industry headlines shaping the housing market locally and nationally. From sticky inflation figures and shifting employment trends to the impending "Silver Tsunami" of...
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The Hidden Power of Rehumanizing Sales in an AI World with Tim Hooper
What if the fastest way to grow your business is not doing more, but using AI to get your life back? Tim Hooper makes the case that the real opportunity right now is not another tool, platform, or hustle tactic—it is learning how to become a more human, more focused connector in a noisy world.On...
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Seller Impersonation Fraud Is Rising—What Realtors Need to Watch For
Chicago is outperforming the country on home prices, mortgage rates may be heading lower over the next five years, and title fraud is getting more sophisticated. If you buy, sell, invest, or advise clients in real estate, this episode explores the numbers, risks, and talking points to keep in…
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The 7% Mortgage Shock Is Here - What Happens Next?
The Fed has raised rates for the first time in three years, and 30-year mortgages are now hovering around 7%. In this week's Market Trends episode, Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down what the hike means for buyers, why refinancing has dropped 65%, and how to protect yourself with smart…
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81% of U.S. Housing Markets Are Overvalued - What Happens Next?
Zillow just lost a key court battle against eXp and Compass, with a federal judge denying its injunction request. In this week's market trends episode, Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break it down, plus August CPI ticks up on gas prices, existing home sales hit a 14-month low, 81% of US markets…
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From Blueprints to Bytes: The Rise of General Contracting Technology with Jonathan Klemm
In this episode of the People Not Titles podcast, host Steve Kaempf sits down with Jonathan Klemm, owner of Quality Builders. Jonathan shares his inspiring journey from getting laid off from a tech startup in 2020 to founding a successful general contracting and construction company.Whether…
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Mortgage Rates Hit 6.7% & Housing Market Is Changing Fast - What Happens Next?
Is the housing shortage actually a myth? A new report from Zelman and Associates argues the real crisis isn't a quantity shortage — it's an affordability shortage concentrated in starter homes, while deficit estimates from the White House, Realtor.com, and Harvard vary wildly. In this week's…
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65% Rate Hike Odds, $43K AI Savings, 6% Commissions & 10% Fewer Americans Are Moving
Only 8% of home sellers think a combined 6% buyer agent commission is fair, and 59% didn't even know they could opt out of paying it. In this week's market trends episode, Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down a new survey on how confused sellers still are about commissions, and why 93% who...
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From Nightclubs to Main Street: The Career Arc of Greg Phillips
Join host Steve Kaempf on the People Not Titles podcast for a deep dive into the 30+ year real estate career of Greg Phillips. In this episode, Greg shares his fascinating professional journey—from his early days opening legendary 1990s nightclubs in downtown Chicago to building a thriving real...
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3% Mortgages, 50% Occupancy, $100M Zillow Deal & 26% Less Inventory — What Happens Next?
Vacation rental listings have hit a record high of 1.77 million, but national occupancy has crashed to around 50%. In this week's market trends episode, Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down why so many short-term rental investors are now underwater and quietly selling off. Plus: a new bill...
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Housing Sales Drop 2.3% as HOA Fees Surge 26% - What Happens Next?
HOA fees have surged 26% since 2019, with older condos now costing double in monthly dues — while pending home sales dropped 2.3% month-over-month, the second straight monthly decline. In this week's market trends episode, Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down why buyers are getting squeezed…
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Music, Money, and Multi-Units: Building $120M in Commercial Volume with Moses Hall
How can a commercial real estate strategy bridge the gap between local communities, government agencies, and major capital? In this episode of the People Not Titles podcast, host Steve Kaempf sits down with Moses Hall, founder of Mohall Commercial and Urban Development.Originally from New York,...
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1 Million Leave Workforce as Home Prices Hit $434K Record
Existing home sales stayed flat for a fourth straight year in July, holding at 4.06 million — even as the labor market took an unexpected hit. Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down a July jobs report that showed a surprise loss of 23,000 jobs against expectations of an 83,000 gain, with May…
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Jamie Lendway - The Reality Check: What is Your Business Really Worth?
Are you looking to sell your business or wondering what it’s actually worth? Or maybe you're an entrepreneur dreaming of purchasing a cash-flowing company? In this episode of the People Not Titles podcast, host Steve Kaempf sits down with Jamie Lendway, commercial lending veteran and founder of...
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HOA Foreclosures Are Surging — Even If Your Mortgage Is Paid Off
HOA foreclosures are surging nationwide, and most homeowners don't realize their HOA can place a lien — and in about 20 states, legally foreclose — even if their mortgage is completely paid off. In this week's market trends podcast episode, Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down the...
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Andy Burton: The Secret to Building a Real Estate Community
Welcome back to another episode of the People, Not Titles podcast! In this episode, host Steve Kaempf sits down with Andy Burton, the franchise owner, publisher, and Area Director behind the incredibly successful Chicago Real Producers operation. Andy shares his fascinating career trajectory,...
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Compass Is Under Federal Investigation (What Happens Next?)
Compass is officially under federal investigation, with Congress stepping in to examine the company's partnership with eXp and its private listings strategy. In this week's market trends episode, Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down what's actually being scrutinized and why it matters for...
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The Truth About True Cash Flow: Surviving the 2008 Crash & Scaling to 60+ Employees
In this episode of the *People Not Titles* podcast, host Steve Kaempf sits down with real estate investor, property manager, and host of the *Straight Up Chicago Investor* podcast, Mark Ainley. Mark shares his raw, honest journey of starting out at age 21, navigating early mistakes, and shifting...
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Foreclosures Just Jumped 21%—What Happens Next?
Foreclosures just jumped 21% year-over-year, with over 227,000 US properties filed in the first half of 2026 — but Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down why this isn't a crash, it's a return to a more normal market. They dig into which states are getting hit hardest (Florida, South Carolina,...
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Home Prices Hit a Record High, Inflation Cools, and a New Housing Law Just Passed
Home prices hit a new all-time high of $440,600 this week — the 36th straight month of year-over-year gains — while the June CPI report showed inflation cooling faster than expected, dropping 0.4% month-over-month, the largest one-month decline since April 2020. Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf…
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49% of Young Adults Now Live With Their Parents!
The June jobs report just landed, and it's ugly. Employers added only 57,000 jobs, well below expectations, and more than 700,000 people dropped out of the workforce entirely in a single month. We break down what's really going on beneath the headline number. We also dig into a striking Federal...
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Inflation Just Hit Its Highest Mark in Three Years...
In this real estate market update, hosts Matt Lombardi and Steve Kaempf break down the major legislative and economic shifts impacting buyers, sellers, and agents in July 2026. We dive into the newly passed 21st Century Road to Housing Act—a bipartisan bill currently awaiting the President's...
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From Cop to Lawyer: The Leadership Lessons Every Homebuyer & Realtor Needs to Hear
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make, and having the right people on your side can make all the difference. In this episode of the **People, Not Titles Podcast**, host **Steve Kaempf** sits down with **Elliot Rose**, founder of **Line of Duty…
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Chicago Real Estate Is Winning While Other Cities Fall Behind | Housing Market Update 2026
Chicago Real Estate Is Defying Expectations in 2026 While many once-booming housing markets across the country are struggling with falling prices, rising inventory, and affordability challenges, Chicago continues to prove why slow and steady often wins the race. In this episode of the People, Not...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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Beyond the Flames: A Chicago Fire Chief’s Story of Leadership, Brotherhood & Purpose
Some careers become jobs. Others become a calling.In this deeply powerful episode of the People Not Titles podcast, Steve Kaempf sits down with retired Chicago Fire Chief Rick Kolomay for an unforgettable conversation about leadership, mentorship, brotherhood, family, and the emotional realities…
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Market Trends May 6 2026 - Chicago Real Estate 2026 | Prices Surging, Foreclosures Rising | What They’re Not Telling You
Whether you're a real estate investor, agent, or first-time home buyer, this episode gives you a clear, no-nonsense view of where the market is headed next.Full episodes available at:[www.peoplenottitles.com](http://www.peoplenottitles.com)About the Podcast:People, Not Titles is hosted by Steve...
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Market Trends: RE/MAX JUST GOT SOLD?! Chicago Real Estate Market Is Changing FAST (2026 Update)
RE/MAX just got acquired, and this could reshape the entire real estate industry.In this powerful episode of the People Not Titles Podcast, host Steve Kaempf breaks down one of the biggest real estate stories of 2026: the acquisition of RE/MAX by The Real Brokerage, and what it means for agents,...
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Mark Ratfelders: From Suits to Serenity: Reinventing Success Beyond the Corporate Fast Track
In this episode of People Not Titles, host Steve Kaempf speaks with Mark Ratfelders, a former corporate sales leader at American Express and Citibank, turned coach, consultant, and yoga and meditation leader. Mark shares his 30-year corporate journey, the keys to success including vision,...
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Chicago Housing Market 2026: Shocking Trends, Cash Buyers & Legal Secrets Explained
Want to understand what’s really happening inside the Chicago real estate market in 2026? This episode goes far beyond headlines, bringing you real, unfiltered insights from industry attorneys, legal experts, and market professionals shaping the future of real estate.In this powerful discussion…
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Market Trends April 20, 2026 - Boomers, Buyers, and the Fed: The Real Estate Chessboard of 2026
In this April 20th "Market Trends" episode of People Not Titles, hosts Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi cover key real estate topics, including NAR's 2026 Generational Trends Report, which highlights Baby Boomer market dominance and record-low first-time buyer rates. They discuss Kevin Warsh's...
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Market Trends - The Most Comprehensive Update on the 2026 U.S. Housing Market and NAR Settlement
In this April 13th, 2026 episode of Market Trends, hosts Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi discuss the latest U.S. housing market data. Key topics include a 3.6% drop in existing home sales, record-high home prices of $800,000, and tight inventory. Lawrence Yun revised his 2026 sales growth forecast...
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Market Trends - Breaking Down March’s Job Report, Rising Property Taxes, and the Future of Real Estate Firms
In this episode of "People Not Titles," Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi discuss key market trends, including a surprisingly strong March jobs report offset by declining labor force participation. They examine the Federal Reserve's cautious approach to interest rates, a legal victory for NAR...
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Market Trends - Chicago Housing Market Update 2026: War Impact, Rising Rates & Shocking Trends
The Chicago housing market is entering a critical turning point in 2026, and most buyers and investors are not prepared for what’s happening right now. In this episode of the People, Not Titles podcast, hosted by Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi, we break down the real story behind rising mortgage...
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Carolyn Litton - After 20 Years in Real Estate… She Walked Away 😳 | From Burnout to a Whole New Life
What happens when success no longer feels like success?In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Carolyn Linton shares her journey from a high-performing mortgage lender in the real estate industry to stepping into a life of purpose, clarity, and fulfillment.After spending over 20 years in...
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Market Trends 3/23/2026 - Chicago Real Estate SHOCK: New Rules, Fed Decision & Zillow Moves (2026 Update)
Chicago real estate is entering a new phase in 2026, and the changes are happening faster than most buyers and investors realize.Introduction: (00:00)FinCEN Rule Struck Down (01:12)Background and Impact of FinCEN Ruling (01:31)Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady (03:22)Inflation, Oil Prices, and Rate...
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Market Trends - March 16 2026 Spring Market Surge: Re-Listings and Buyer Activity in a Tight Inventory Landscape
In this Market Trends edition of the "People Not Titles" podcast, Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi analyze February’s national real estate data, highlighting improved housing affordability, rising existing home sales, and ongoing inventory shortages. They discuss the Senate’s new 21st Century Road…
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Market Trends March 9 2026 - The Truth About the Housing Market Right Now | Jobs Report & Inventory Surge
In this episode, Steve Kemp and Matt Lombardi break down the latest economic and housing market developments shaping the real estate landscape as we head into the spring buying season.The latest U.S. jobs report delivered disappointing news, with the economy losing 92,000 jobs in February…
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Abby Bakos - She Sold Her House to Start a Law Firm | Now She’s a Top Chicago Real Estate & Civil Rights Attorney
What does it take to bet on yourself when everything is on the line? She Sold Her House to Start a Law Firm | Now She’s a Top Chicago Real Estate & Civil Rights Attorney! In this powerful episode of the People Not Titles Podcast, host Steve Kaempf sits down with Abby Bakos, founder of Bakos Law…
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Market Trends Feb 23 2026 - Institutional Investors - Chicago's BUILD program - Serious VA Home Loan Allegations and MORE!
In this February 23rd episode, Steve Kaempf and Matt Lombardi discuss major real estate market trends. They cover the National Association of Realtors’ new “More Than Opening Doors” campaign, designed to highlight the value realtors provide beyond home showings. The hosts also examine CoStar...
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Market Trends Feb 16 - Is Chicago’s Housing Market Freezing in 2026? Jobs Up, Rates Stuck & Buyers Feeling the Pressure
Chicago Real Estate Market Update February 16th, 2026The February 2026 numbers are in, nd they tell a story that most headlines are completely missing.Is Chicago’s Housing Market Freezing in 2026? Jobs Up, Rates Stuck & Buyers Feeling the PressureIn this episode of the People, Not Titles Market...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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!
HOSTED BY
Stephen Kaempf
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does People, Not Titles have?
People, Not Titles currently has 201 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is People, Not Titles 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...
How often does People, Not Titles release new episodes?
People, Not Titles publishes regularly with 201 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to People, Not Titles?
You can listen to People, Not Titles on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts People, Not Titles?
People, Not Titles is created and hosted by Stephen Kaempf.
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