Janis, one of my oldest best friends from school, was always destined to be someone – she always worked harder than anyone at achieving anything she set her mind to and although I was heartbroken when she told me she was moving all the way across the world. I knew she was chasing dreams and nothing would ever stop this bad ass woman from achieving every single goal she sets herself.

I’ve been a part of her journey from young girls singing into brushes in her living room into the mother, wife and career woman she is today and I’m proud of what my friend has achieved.

A licensed real estate agent with a very exciting background! This is her career story, one day I’ll ask her to share her personal journey with you too!

What is your job / what field are you in?

I’m a Real Estate Agent 

Do you need a qualification for it? If yes, what and how long does it take?

Each state (in the USA) has different requirements for education. In Nevada the requirement is 90 hours of class hours and in Utah it is 120 hours. All states require the National and State Law exam for licensing. 

How did you get into it?

I have friends who are in real estate. It took me a long time, longer than I would have liked, to finally buckle down and do the schooling testing and then become my own boss. I am considered an independent contractor. I work under a broker who oversees all my transactions but in terms of generating an income, I am reliant on myself to find leads, have health insurance and all the other benefits others have from working as an employee for a company.

How long have you been doing this?

For a year 

Do you remember when you first started? Tell us a bit about that. 

I was employed full-time in Las Vegas as a cocktail server at Caesars Entertainments highest grossing day club (pool party) with full health benefits and union pay plus my take home tips everyday. I struggled working in Vegas summer heat all day, being a wife, mom and studying for my exam.

As you can imagine the comfort of my full-time job made me question why I would want to leave. However I worked all weekends, 8-10 hour days, I missed birthdays and holidays. I came home exhausted after giving my best hours of my day serving drinks at the pool to people I probably wouldn’t see again. My desire to give my family more of my time was the driving force behind my career change. 

Do you work for yourself or for a company or organisation?

I am self-employed working under two Brokers in Nevada: Black and Cherry Real Estate and in Utah: Keller Williams Park City, Midway & Heber City

What’s an average day like for you at work?

My day always starts with a workout, either a quick cardio blast on the treadmill at home or a weight training session at the gym. I enjoy breakfast with my husband and son before I start my day. I spend 3-4 hours in the morning, marketing myself through social media, emails, mailing lists, handing out business cards etc. I set up appointments for listings, showing qualified buyers available homes or with home owners preparing to sell their homes. Everyday is different, I have a lot of flexibility in my schedule and my marketing hours can be spent in a coffee shop or in my backyard sipping coffee and soaking up some sun. That is the beauty of this industry. I can take my work anywhere. 

What has been the most memorable moment for you in your career?

Scoring my first deal within the first 2 weeks I was a licensed agent. I beat the odds. Statistically 80% of new agents fail within their first year of real estate. 

What moment would you like to forget?

I would like to forget all the negative comments people said to me when I was starting this career. Just because others wouldn’t or couldn’t doesn’t mean I won’t! Always remember the reasoning someone says something to you and never ever stop believing in yourself! 

If you could live your life over, would you still do this?

I would have started years ago, that is my only regret 

What are some of the biggest challenges about this field? 

Budgeting. Without a dependable income my biggest challenge in the beginning was making my money stretch. Prioritising my spending helped immensely.  

Do you have any advice for someone wanting to get into this field?

Do it! Just do it! If you have the passion for real estate make it your reality. There is commercial, residential, investing, you can do it all or concentrate on one. Whichever you chose, envision your empire and SHINE!!!