Episode 22 - Yes, And: What Improv Comedy Taught Me About Real Estate (And Why You Might Want to Sign Up for a Class)
I didn’t expect my time pretending to be a sushi chef with no arms on stage in a dark theater to come in handy when I started selling houses. But here we are.
Fun fact: I spent five years in my 20s doing improv comedy. Real shows. Real people. Real weird. And while I didn’t realize it at the time, those unpredictable, unscripted moments taught me some of the most valuable skills I now use as a real estate agent.
Turns out, real estate and improv have a lot in common. Both are unscripted. Both require serious listening. And both can go completely off the rails without warning.
Here are five powerful lessons I took from improv comedy that made me a better agent, and why they matter for you and your clients.
1. “Yes, and” is a Life Philosophy
If you’ve ever taken an improv class, you know rule #1: Always say “yes, and…”
It’s all about accepting what’s offered and building on it. Your scene partner says, “I’m an alien from outer space”? You say, “Yes, and I’m your Earth tour guide.” Boom, scene.
In real estate, we can do the same thing.
When a client says, “I want a five-bedroom in XYZ neighborhood for $550,000,” it’s tempting to think, “Not gonna happen.” But instead of saying “no,” we can say:
“Yes, and let’s explore some areas that’ll give you that space and still work within your price range.”
You’re not shutting them down, you’re guiding them forward. “Yes, and” builds trust, opens up possibilities, and keeps conversations moving in a productive direction. And trust me, your clients will feel the difference.
2. Listening Is the Real Power Move
Improv taught me that the magic isn’t in planning your next line, it’s in actually listening.
Like, full-body, present-moment, “I hear what you’re saying and what you’re not saying” listening.
In real estate, we’re often so focused on scripts, objection handlers, and getting the paperwork signed that we miss what our clients are actually telling us. And I mean really telling us, through tone, body language, hesitation, emotion.
When you slow down and truly listen, without racing ahead to your agenda, you catch red flags earlier, uncover hidden motivations, and build a real connection.
And let’s be honest, people just want to feel heard. When you give them that? You become unforgettable.
3. You Gotta Pivot Like a Pro
If improv taught me anything, it’s that no matter how well you think it’s going…things will change.
Sound familiar?
A pipe bursts the day before closing. The lender sends the wrong docs. Your client sees a TikTok that makes them question their entire buying strategy. Welcome to the wild world of real estate.
But good agents don’t panic. They pivot. They think on their feet. They find a new path, fast. And improv trained my brain to do exactly that: stay calm, get curious, and move forward creatively.
You don’t need a perfect plan. (Spoiler: it will go off track anyway.) You just need the confidence to adapt.
4. Confidence Without Control Freak Energy
I’ll admit it, I used to be the type who needed everything planned, polished, and perfect.
But improv cracked that right open. Because when you walk on stage with zero script, you have to trust yourself to figure it out in real time.
And that’s the exact energy we need as real estate agents.
You won’t always know what your clients are going to say. Or what curveball the market’s going to throw. But confidence doesn’t mean knowing everything, it means knowing you can handle whatever happens.
Big agent energy, right there.
5. Humor Heals (and Converts)
I love making people laugh. Not just because it feels good (though it really does), but because it builds instant connection.
In tense moments, humor is a release valve. In awkward conversations, it’s a bridge. And in a business where your clients are often stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, a well-timed joke can change the entire tone of the experience.
I’m not saying you need to become a stand-up comic. But I am saying that letting your personality and your sense of humor, shine through can make you more relatable, more trustworthy, and way more memorable.
And you know what memorable agents get? Referrals.
Real Estate Isn’t a Script—It’s a Stage
Improv taught me how to lead with empathy, stay grounded when things get weird, and trust my voice, especially when things don’t go as planned (which, let’s be real, is…often).
So if you’re out here trying to script every consult, control every outcome, or show up “perfectly”, breathe.
You don’t have to know every line. You just have to show up with your full, real self.
Because a happy agent is a successful one. And your confidence, curiosity, and humor? That’s your superpower.
Want more like this?🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode now!
It's full of funny stories, practical takeaways, and a little behind-the-scenes theater kid magic.
