Happy Monday! I hope you all are having a great start to your week. I’m watching my godson today, we just got back from brunch at First Watch. Now he is napping so I had some time to get a post up for you guys. Today I’m super excited to have one of my best friends,Alexa Johnson, who I’ve known since I was about 11. She is a total BOSS, she is a bad ass mom and kills it in the real estate market.
I love to feature different female hustlers to motivate you guys and share their hustle and of course I love to connect with them. It’s always the best though when one of them is your best friends! I’m SO proud of all she has accomplished and I know there is so much more coming from her, this is just the beginning! I sent her over some questions I had for her, I always wanted to be a real estate agent ( if I didn’t pursue my passion in the beauty industry.) Any of you lovely ladies out there looking to become a real estate agent, or looking to buy, or know someone looking to buy or your eventually going to become first time home owners this is the post for you.Now time to dive into Real Estate!
What made you choose Real Estate?
Real Estate for me is so much more than just a “job” or even a career. Growing up I knew I never wanted a traditional 9-5, hate my life, hate my boss type of life. To be honest, I never even understood the idea of going to a college campus for 4+ years, it sounds awful! Being a Real Estate professional allows me to be my own boss and that is very important to me. I have the freedom to travel where and when I please, and work from home and never have to worry about sending my children to daycare. I get to run my business in whichever way I feel is most beneficial and that is a huge plus! Although, the biggest perk of the job is handing my clients the keys to their dream home or telling them that I was able to sell their current home. Every family and individual has their own story as to why they need to move or sell, and being able to be part of such an important life moment means so much to me. Creating lifelong friends and clients through this business relationship is everything.
What sets you apart from other agents?
I make the process fun, simple, and comfortable! Buying or selling can be STRESSFUL. It can bring on so many emotions that the average buyer or seller didn’t even know they had in them. I make sure there is zero confusion throughout the entire process and aim for a smooth transaction every time. My experience allows me to give excellent service to all my clients, while maintaining a personal and trust worthy relationship where my client feels confident throughout the entire transaction.
What should first time home owners consider when buying a house?
Number one thing home owners should consider is financing! So many first time home buyers do not understand the difference between a pre-approaval amount, and a mortgage payment. Just because you happen to be approved for a 300k loan, doesn’t mean you want to be spending that much money every month on your home. I see so many new buyers trying to purchase a home that just will not work. I want to make sure my clients fully understand what they can and cannot afford. The second thing to consider is location. Buying the most beautiful, updated home on the street may not be the best idea for you in the long run if you are purchasing your first home. Degression is a state that the home is in when it is considered the “best” home on the “worst” street. It is hard to sell an investment like that. The final thing to consider when buying your first home is do I absolutely love it. If you do not walk into this home with that gut feeling that “this is the one” (like you may or not have felt with your significant other) then move on. I am telling you, you just know.
Top 3 tips for people looking to buy?
1) HGTV is not a real thing! I get so many clients who go on private showings with me and think they are on some episode of a HGTV show. Please stop. I will leave it at that.
2) Just because the appliances are from the 90’s doesn’t mean you are going to get $20k knocked off the list price. If homes are going for a higher price in a certain area, it is due to that market. The market can be based on location, school systems, geography and etc. The housing market is what the housing market is. If you don’t like it, look for something somewhere cheaper.
3) Get your inspections. If you move into a home without an inspection and then your roof caves in.. I am sorry but it is no ones fault but your own.
What advice do you have for someone looking into going into real estate?
1. Do your research! So many people think they can just take their classes, pass their test, and make six figures. I hate to break it to you but- no. In order to be successful in this business you must:
2. Be full-time! You can’t have a 9-5 and do Real Estate on the side and expect to get wealthy.
3. Have a mentor. Whether you join a team or go off on your own, it is extremely important to have someone to coach, train, and hold your hand in those moments when you just do not know what to do. I kid you not, but sometimes you may have that awful agent who makes you just want to cry. I promise you, a helping hand who has been there before will help ease your sorrows immensely.
6. What is life of a realtor like?
For me, routine is everything. It took me one entire year to realize this. When you first become a Realtor you feel like you have all of this free time to enjoy life as you please. And then one day you fast forward one or two months and realize you have nothing to only one deal pending and you are left scratching your head confused. Time management is KEY. I wake up every morning at 6am to get my morning yoga and workout in. Working out in the morning and getting my exercise in early allows the rest of my day to be free. Being showered and ready by 7:30 am everyday is crucial. I time block out my day so I know exactly what I am doing throughout my work day. Depending on what is on my calendar I may be out on appointments which include showings or listing appointments. I also do home inspections and walk-thru’s which are client involved. When I am not meeting with clients to show them homes or list their home to sell, I am working from my home office doing paperwork, making phone calls or emails, or simply working on my social media or brand. The best part is I get to end the day when I want to end the day. I have plans at 3pm, I am done working at 2:30pm. If I have nothing going on, I may work until 8pm. It based on an everyday basis. Never a dull moment in my career!
Thank you Alexa for coming on the blog!! I loved learning about real estate and what to consider when buying a home, I know who I’m calling when I’m buying my first home!
You guys can find Alexa on her insta
She has a blog in the makes and when she launches it, I will be sure to let you guys know it.
If you have any questions you can email Alexa at Alexandrajohnson@contactplatinum.com
xx
Bree