Reflecting on My First Year in Real Estate: Lessons, Growth, and Looking Ahead
As I sit down to reflect on my first year in real estate, I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. When I started this journey, I set a goal to sell one property every other month and have at least two listings. What actually unfolded exceeded my expectations: 11 closed deals and 10 listings. While I’m proud of these numbers, I know there’s still room to grow to make this a sustainable and thriving career.
Overcoming the “Down Market” Narrative
When I decided to pursue real estate, many people warned me that it wasn’t the best time to enter the market. They said the market was down, and making a living would be tough. I saw things differently. I believed—and still do—that starting in a challenging market would equip me with the skills and resilience to thrive when conditions improve. If I could make it during a "down market," imagine the possibilities when the market rebounds.
Additionally, the real estate landscape is shifting, especially with changes following the recent NAR settlement. Being a newcomer has allowed me to adapt to these changes from the start, without the need to unlearn old practices. In contrast, veteran agents and brokers are facing the challenge of rewiring their processes.
Learning from the Best
One of the best decisions I made was aligning myself with the right brokerage. Fortunately, my uncle, Trey Todd, owns Pine Curtain Real Estate and has been a tremendous mentor. His success and reputation in the industry gave me a front-row seat to what excellence looks like in this business.
I also owe a lot to Stacy Williams, an agent at Pine Curtain Real Estate, who was instrumental in helping me get my bearings early on. Acting as a transaction coordinator for over 20 deals was an invaluable experience. This role gave me hands-on exposure to contracts and the intricacies of real estate transactions. It allowed me to collaborate with co-brokers, title companies, lenders, attorneys, appraisers, inspectors, and surveyors—each one an integral part of the process.
This experience wasn’t just about completing deals; it was about building relationships. Real estate is a people-driven business, and having strong connections with professionals across various trades helps ensure smooth transactions and quicker resolutions to any challenges that arise.
Staying Educated
Another priority for me this year was education. Real estate is ever evolving, and I wanted to ensure I was well-versed in the rules, regulations, and best practices. I took every opportunity to attend classes through my association of realtors and pursued additional online courses. These efforts not only expanded my knowledge but also helped me connect with other agents and brokers in the area. Building these relationships has been a rewarding aspect of my journey, and I look forward to continuing to grow my network.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, I feel optimistic about both my career and the real estate market. I anticipate the economy will stabilize in 2025, with the market gaining momentum by February or March. With that in mind, I expect to more than double my achievements from this year. I already have more (in volume) listings now than I closed deals last year, and I’m confident that my growing experience and network will propel me forward.
This year has been a fantastic start, and I share my journey not to boast but to inspire and offer insights to others—especially new agents navigating their first year.
To anyone considering a career in real estate or those simply looking for advice, I’m here to help. Whether you’re a client, a fellow agent, or someone curious about the industry, feel free to reach out anytime.
Here’s to a successful 2025 and the continued growth of a career I truly love! 🍾
Contact Information:
📞: 903-752-1343
📧: [email protected]
