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First Friday of the month, we will be celebrating a student journey, business owner, inspiring new entrepreneur, community leader or mentor to embrace positivity and foster growth.
Check out the full interview below:
Background
I took my license in real estate in April 28, 1997. With an accounting background and over 8 years experience in the field, I felt like my new career change would provide a more flexible schedule to suit my needs at the time of being a single mom of two.
Favorite quote
My favorite career quote comes from my first and favorite real estate mentor Floyd Wickman: “You get by giving” It is my motto and guides me even now 23 years later!
Hobbies
I have many hobbies and will name just a few: gardening, line dancing, reading, knitting, decorating, walking, traveling, yoga
Major responsibilities of your career/occupation
Educating clients on what they need to know to be most successful in buying or selling their home Guiding clients through a smooth buying or selling experience
Understanding buyer needs and finding the home that best suits them
Advising sellers on what they can do to maximize the value of their home
Negotiating contracts so clients realize the best buy or sale price and overall terms
Serve as a liaison between my client and other business partners
Facilitating inspections, appraisals and final walk-thru
Preparing comparative market analysis for buyers and sellers so they can make an informed decision on price
Help staging properties
Feng Shui consultations
Serving as a trusted advisor when recommending attorneys, inspectors, mortgage lenders, cleaning crews, moving companies, home warranty companies, contractors, etc.
Education/training required
Complete a real estate broker training and pass a state exam
Every two years complete 36 hours of continuing education and take a license renewal exam
Skills needed
Honesty and integrity
Responsiveness
Knowledge of the real estate market
Communication skills
Negotiating skills
Active listening
Patience
Tactfulness
Tenacity
Sincerity
Positive and negative aspects of your career/occupation
Positive: Flexible schedule
I get to help people with one of the most important parts of their life and often become a life long friend and trusted advisor. Sometimes I am even considered family after working together when they see how much I truly care!
Negative: It is a 24/7 job although very rewarding
No benefits. You are essentially an independent contractor
You don’s get paid unless you close a transaction. It can take months and you can go for weeks or sometimes months without an income
What specific types of tools, equipment, and/or technology do you use on a regular basis?
Microsoft Office and Outlook
DocuSign
Various real estate databases and software programs including: MRED, Moxi, Remine, Homesnap, Adwerx, etc.
Social media such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
IPhone, I Pad, IMac and a wide variety of applications
What course help you as student prepare for your job/career?
Intensive training taken on a monthly basis
Personal real estate mentors
Business coaches
Motivational speakers
Seminars
Webinars
On going training
What extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, and/or part time job might help someone prepare for your job?
Find a job in a real estate office as a receptionist or as an unlicensed real estate assistant to see if you like working in this field
What advice would you give a student who is considering your type of job/career?
My best advice to anyone who would consider getting into the real estate career would be to first make sure they understand that this is a people business. It is serving your clients and that requires a 24/7 commitment. A big part of success is keeping in touch with past clients and continually networking to secure future business. If you are not tenacious and do not like interacting with all types of different people, find a different career.