Compass Conversations host Jared Klein sits down with AJ Letterman of Compass Connecticut to discuss Fairfield County real estate, client relationships, referrals, Instagram storytelling, Three-Phase Marketing, Compass technology, and building a business through authenticity and collaboration.
Key Takeaways
- Follow the Unexpected Path
AJ shares how she originally planned to become a teacher before open-heart surgery changed her direction. After working in education and serving families, she found real estate through a mentor who invited her to help with open houses.
- Start With People
AJ’s background in teaching, nannying, dog sitting, retail, and hospitality helped shape the way she works with clients. Her business is built on care, trust, and being present for on care, trust, and being present for people.
- Use the Compass Platform
AJ joined Compass in 2018 and quickly leaned into the platform, search tools, Collections, and mobile app. She shares how the app helps her work efficiently from anywhere, especially when clients need fast answers in the field.
- Know the Connecticut Market
AJ discusses Fairfield County, Norwalk, Westport, and the broader coastal Connecticut market. She explains how buyers from New York and New Jersey often look to Connecticut for lifestyle, commute access, space, and lower overall monthly costs.
- Be Honest With Buyers
AJ encourages buyers to move seriously when they need to move, while also being realistic about rates, affordability, timing, and competition. Her style is advisory, not pushy.
- Build Referral Relationships
AJ shares that Compass referrals work best when agents genuinely know, trust, and like each other. Her message is to show up, attend events, build real friendships, and treat referrals with care.
- Tell Real Stories on Instagram
AJ uses Instagram Stories to show her day-to-day life, local restaurants, neighborhoods, listings, and community moments. She always tags her location so people immediately understand where she works and what markets she knows.
- Use Three-Phase Marketing
AJ sees Private Exclusive, Compass Coming Soon, and Active as a way to give sellers more choice, test the market, and create a softer launch before going fully public.
- Collaborate Without Ego
AJ chooses Collaborate Without Ego as the Compass Entrepreneurship Principle that stands out most. Her message is that colleagues are part of your client base, and strong agent relationships can help deals move forward.
Why This Matters
This episode shows how a strong real estate business can grow through relationships, local knowledge, technology, referrals, and authentic visibility. AJ’s message is to show up in person, stay connected, use the tools, tell real stories, and build a reputation other agents can trust.
Connect with the Speakers
Host Jared Klein: https://www.compass.com/agents/jared-klein/
AJ Letterman: https://www.compass.com/agents/aj-letterman/
AJ Letterman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajletterman/
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