Real Estate Success Stories That Will Inspire You

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Still thinking about a career in real estate? Hear how these three successful agents got their start in the industry. They’ve all been able to hone in their skills by focusing on their unique strengths in order to help inspire the next generation of real estate agents. They are now passing down their secrets on how to successfully navigate the competitive real estate world. All three of these successful agents took different paths to get to where they are now, but they are ready to pass on their knowledge to those just gaining their footing in the industry. They all work for different brokerages, but still agree that real estate was the best career decision they’ve ever made.

 

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Lynn Pineda

Lynn Pineda of southeast Florida in the areas of Boca Raton to Coral Springs, with brokerage eXp Realty LLC, has been selling homes since 2005 – she couldn’t think about doing anything else. Since she earned her Florida real estate license and started her career, her only regret has been in not doing it sooner, yet so glad she made the career move when she did. The business of Real Estate offers amazing rewards if you’re willing to put in the effort. She recalls her Real Estate business taking off significantly in 2009+ when Short Sales were prevalent. While certainly an ugly time for homeowners, they needed someone to help them navigate selling their home as a Short Sale. Lynn stepped in to learn all that she could about Short Sales, even while her Broker thought she was crazy! It turned out to be a good Real Estate decision for Lynn, as she had tremendous success as a Short Sale Realtor.  

So much about having success in Real Estate can be tied to a niche you choose to grab hold of,  as Lynn did early on with Short Sales and blogging. From there, her Real Estate business success continued with a strong referral network from satisfied customers. You’ve heard the expression of how good news spreads fast and it is so true in Real Estate too. 

There are many roads to take in Real Estate – be sure to choose wisely doing it with all your focus. She elaborates more on how you can certainly reap rewards by blogging. Writing and publishing Real Estate articles over the years has consistently led to a flow of Real Estate business for her. For those starting out in Real Estate, her first advice would be to share your Real Estate experiences and knowledge, building as you gain experience, which will ultimately put you in a position of being influential when it comes to Real Estate. With this influence, comes customers wanting to sell a home or buy a home – why not have them choose you?!

 

 

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Rick Ruvin

Rick Ruvin, lead partner for Falk Ruvin Gallagher, has seen how the best vehicle for the average American to build wealth is owning real estate. That matters to him and he wanted to be in an industry that not only contributes to that, but also allows him to be a part of that too. As a student of market data, Rick has found that where and when a person buys a home or condo has more of an impact than what they buy. He likes to impart that perspective on his clients as he helps to guide them. 

Rick’s first year in the business he worked with a healthy mix of both buyers and sellers. That enabled him to have a strong first year. He was named Rookie of the Year in the Milwaukee area. Starting off, he was able to leverage his background in home renovation and building. That allowed him to bring a different perspective including properties that had hidden value that he could highlight and help to guide clients. However, Rick’s  long-term goal was to build a team. So the first few years it was important to him to learn all aspects of the business so he could later build that team. Rick worked to find talented people to perform the various aspects of the business and took the time to learn how to delegate. 

As someone who has found success in the industry, he has some advice for those looking to make the switch: 

“First, I think people assume it’s a house business but it’s truly a people business. You have to really love people and be comfortable working with the range of emotions that people feel when they are going through a huge life transition. 

Second, the best way to succeed is to be an expert at something. With so many agents out there, your expertise will draw people to you. Even if it’s specific, it’s an expertise that will help you stand out.

Third, put relationships ahead of commissions. And put your client’s interests ahead of your own. You hear this from everyone, but it really is true.”

 

 

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Kitt Lockett

Kitt Lockett is a real estate agent with Maxwell Realty LLC in Newport News, VA and the nearby area. She’s spent years providing home-buyers and sellers with professional, responsive and attentive real estate services. Her  first year in real estate was eye opening. She quickly learned that it wasn’t as easy nor glamorous as portrayed in the media. It was an adjustment because of the schedule. Kitt found myself often working 7 days a week. It was hard because she was used to getting a salary and having set hours. In real estate it’s almost impossible not to bring your work home. She learned quickly that you eat what you catch. She knew her success was dependent on her efforts. 

After getting used to it though, Kitt says real estate has most definitely changed her lifestyle for the better. She has real financial freedom now and is able to travel more. She’s also been able to  invest more. She believes real estate is a great way to expand your circle. While her schedule is still full, the more you grow in the field the more filled your schedule is. To this day she’s still shocked she gets paid to spend time with people looking at houses. 

Kitt would tell anyone looking to get into real estate to keep their options open. She says there are many avenues to a career in real estate. You’re not limited to being a realtor. You can work in property management, wholesaling and investing, and the list goes on. She believes it’s important to find your niche. A lot of agents quit or fail because they try to imitate what another agent is doing. Authenticity wins in this field. Create your brand around what you like, but also your skillset.

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About the Author

Chris Heller brings 27 years of experience in real estate. Chris serves on the AgentAdvice Editorial Board and is the Chief Real Estate Officer at OJO Labs. Chris brings deep expertise having held influential industry positions including CEO of mellohome and former CEO of Keller Williams Realty International.

Last Updated: 11/29/2022