Nicole Handy is a chemical engineer turned real estate powerhouse and co-owner of Braden Real Estate Group. After more than a decade in corporate America, she transitioned into full-time real estate, where she has become one of Houston's top-producing agents. Today she leads a brokerage of 75 agents across Houston and Dallas while investing in residential and commercial real estate, building generational wealth, and mentoring the next wave of agents.

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Key Takeaways

• Nicole leveraged her corporate income to build her real estate business before transitioning full-time.

• Real estate investing runs deep in her family, shaping her views on generational wealth and long-term ownership.

• Building a personal brand through consistency and education has helped her stand out in a competitive market.

• Even during downturns, she has achieved her best years by focusing on adding value and solving client needs.

• Scaling from agent to brokerage owner requires documented systems and processes.

Topics

From Corporate Engineer to Real Estate Entrepreneur

• Nicole's early real estate exposure through her grandparents' investments.

• Buying her first property out of college and realizing the power of appreciation.

• Using corporate income as a foundation before leaving to grow her brokerage.

Building a Personal Brand

• Established her presence through consistent education and social media.

• Focused on being the most valuable resource to her audience, not just following trends.

• Braden Real Estate Group is rooted in excellence, values, and polished presentation.

Navigating Market Shifts

• 62% of agents may have exited in 2023, but Nicole had her best year.

• Positioned herself as a trusted expert during slower markets.

• Duplexes in Houston are currently trading at discounts, providing investor opportunities.

Giving Back Through Nonprofits

• Active supporter of Move-In Day Mafia, a nonprofit helping foster children transition into college.

• Provides dorm essentials, monthly care packages, and mentorship to set students up for success.

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Round of Insights

Failure that set Nicole up for success: Nearly losing her brokerage early on due to poor business management—saved by hiring coaches.

Digital or mobile resource: AI tools — using ChatGPT to build strategies, processes, and systems.

Book recommendation: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

Daily habit: Wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to clear emails, follow-ups, and priorities before the day begins.

#1 insight for scaling a brokerage: Document every process so that new team members can execute flawlessly.

Favorite restaurant in Houston, TX: Pappadeaux.

Next Steps

• Connect with Nicole on Instagram: @mrsnikkihandy

• Learn more about Braden Real Estate Group in Houston and Dallas

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