So...what exactly have I been doing when I'm not selling real estate in Central Kentucky? Lately, I have been training a new agent fresh out of school. Two more future agents are in online school trying to get finished and take their tests.
I own an independent brokerage, Lizette Realty, so I love being a mentor for new agents. It's hard when you first get your real estate license to find your feet. Especially, if you have chosen to go into a large franchise full of competitive agents. Many new agents get overwhelmed and just drop out. Maybe, they don't know there is another option of an independent smaller brokerage.
When I started out in 2003, I too joined a larger franchise. After 5 years, I left and started my own brokerage. This was in 2009, at the height of the recession. I was nicknamed "Lizette The Broker" by a wonderful lady in LBAR (Lexington Board of REALTORS) that was helping me with my Principal Broker paperwork. The name has stuck for 8 years now.
I have to laugh when I look back at that moment in time. Maybe, I had been on a news fast with no idea of what was happening in the outside world. Outside of my happy bubble of work. Regardless of what was going on, I stayed full time in real estate and also helped others become agents or assisted agents with their license in escrow get back into the business. Every now and then agents leave those larger brokerages and ask to join my brokerage. I can show them how to create their own business under my umbrella.
I must make this look easy! Sometimes, I think this when a former client or friend decides to go to real estate school and asks for advice. Clients usually don't see all of the work and worry that goes into making a deal run smooth all the way to a successful closing. I like to keep things light and fun for my clients if I can. It's not always easy for buyers and sellers as they get ready to move, go through difficult inspections and repairs. I get it!
I really take my job seriously. I'm a troubleshooter, always have been my whole life. It was actually an easy transition for me to be in real estate after growing up in family business. I only wish I could have done real estate sooner. I needed a mentor and I didn't have one. Now, I can see how I can help others take this step and feel like they have a true friend that can help with this career path.
I was told in class one day back in 2003, that 80% of agents fail, 20% survive. Out of the 20%...only 20% of those will have successful careers. In this for life. I think I'm one of the latter group. Proud that I always chose to be full-time and in this til I die. I made a commitment to myself that day in class.
I was at a meeting last night and an agent that had been in the business 40 years sat next to me and my new agent. Her sage advice was that real estate was like a roller coaster. It's so true. Lots of things change all the time, but I feel that people will always need a friend they can trust to help buy or sell a house. A REALTOR is this and more. It takes so much pressure off of a stressful move. It's not all that easy for everyone to do.
I'm proud to help new agents find their way and assist my other agents with deals. Come join us if you are looking for a change. Life works out the way it is supposed to. Being a Mentor, Troubleshooter and Friend is a good life for Lizette The Broker!
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