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You hear it loud and clear these days with programs, seminars and online webinars touting all types of get-rich-quick schemes, especially in real estate. People seem to believe it’s possible to buy the dream without working for it. They hype you up to believe this magical program will change your life in an instant.
I am here to pop that bubble for you and bring you back to reality. However, I welcome you into a reality that can be created through imagination — a type of beautiful reality that can be manifested through thoughts to bring about your dream life with your dream career.
I started out in real estate development roughly seven years ago after owning two restaurants by the time I was 21. I was in serious debt from my startup restaurants and student loans. Somehow, I was able to convince my family and a real estate lender to believe in my company enough to invest in my projects so I could begin flipping houses in Boston and surrounding markets.
After diving right into real estate development, I earned my real estate license so I was able to sell my own properties upon completion as an agent. I thought nothing of it until I started getting asked to help others with their real estate transactions. Soon after that, I was headhunted into the commercial real estate firm that would teach me the commercial real estate brokerage world.
As many real estate agents in the industry know, it is extremely hard to build your book of business when first starting out. I can tell you from experience that commercial real estate is one hundred times harder. It is a world of its own with many numbers, and it is primarily male-dominated.
Here I was as the underdog, a 23-year-old immigrant woman, breaking into this type of industry with zero knowledge and experience. In December of 2019, I was 28 years old and closed a ground-breaking deal at $37.5 million. To date, I have sold, acquired and developed over $100 million in my real estate career. I tell you this for motivational purposes only because if I can, you can too. How did I get there? Here are my seven lessons to create your dream real estate career:
1. Relationships And Networking
Relationships mean everything in business; they say your network is your net worth. Your relationships are what elevate your career. It is important to note that most clients are not looking for the fanciest marketing on the planet. They are looking for a real person who is going to address their pain points and help them achieve their goals, add value through their expertise, and hustle to create the best outcome for them. Plus, when clients are going through the most pivotal moments of their lives, it is important to remain patient, be understanding and help put a smile on their faces. It makes all the difference. Sit down with your clients as their friend, and listen to them.
2. Know How To Add Value To Your Clients
How on earth do you put together high-level deals like this? By knowing your clients’ pain points and goals, not just in business, but in life. And you add value by creating solutions for them. In my case, I knew I could find them a credible buyer to purchase their property and get it done swiftly.
3. Hustle
This is my life motto, because hustle and performance win out over talent any day of the week. Work 10 times harder than anyone else. Meet the most successful individuals, and see how they rose to the top and what their lessons were. Always show up willing to work and learn from the best.
4. Invest In Education
It’s important to invest in your education to further your knowledge. I attended Harvard Business School, researched online for hours on end and attended countless networking events and conferences to advance my career. The only way you can become an expert is through knowledge and experience.
5. Build Self-Confidence
Entering a world full of male sharks in the commercial real estate and development realms can be intimidating. How can you combat that as a young woman? By standing tall and confident. I knew I had what it took because if someone else had done it, I could too through hard work. Your confidence will bring real results in business.
6. Be a Team Player
Real estate transactions and development requires a team, and you must know how to work effectively and gracefully within a team setting. There are attorneys, other agents, buyers, sellers, appraisers and the list goes on. Be and act like the kind of person you would love to work with. It makes the difficult process that much easier.
7. Be Fearless
What do you have to lose by trying? Most people walk away from opportunities before they even begin because they fear the outcome. They create a fear that only exists within the confines of the mind. If you ask me, regret is far worse than fear.
When I first started, I would never have imagined I would go from six figures in debt to making seven-figure commissions by the time I was 28. By sharing these lessons, I hope I have inspired you to shatter glass ceilings and live your dream career.