If you got into real estate 5-6 years ago, you might be forgiven for thinking this business is easy. We didn’t have the low inventory, high interest rates and the commission changes we’re dealing with now. 

For any agent who started back then, the 2024 market might as well be a whole new industry you have to learn. It was a great time to get into the business, but in order to stay in the business now, you have to learn how to generate deals in this current environment. Many people are failing to do that, and that’s why we’ll continue to see agents throwing in the towel and leaving the industry entirely. 

Mastering the basics of running a solid real estate business is the only way to outlast all the shifts and changes. If you came into the business and immediately started taking shortcuts, you just won’t be able to hack it in the skills-based market we’re in right now. 

If you’re an agent who invested in coaching, and found a way to go out and get business, you’ll never have to complain about any market conditions - even the ones that are taking other people out of the industry. 

I recently sat down with an agent who built his business the right way, and developed skills that create success under any circumstance. Sammy DeStefano shares how he went from car sales to real estate, and what’s allowed him to do so well. 

Why learning the fundamentals matters in this profession

The personality type of most real estate agents is high D, so that means we’re an industry of people who like to do things their own way. Also, real estate is a second or third career for a lot of people, and most of those people don’t like being told to do so they are going to riff and find their own way. That’s why learning the basics is so important.  

For a long time, Sammy felt more comfortable cold calling strangers than calling his sphere. That’s because as a new agent he didn’t feel like he had any value, so it felt like he was just asking family and friends to find someone who wants to pay him. Let’s face it, we’re under-competent in our first deal, we just find someone who agrees to work with us. After working an expired and selling it, and earning the social proof, it was easier for Sammy to feel like he’s bringing value, and he could confidently ask his sphere “do you know anyone who wants to use my level of service?”

You need a coach

You’re an idiot if you’re not writing a check to a coach every month. That’s not to say you wouldn’t have figured things out without a coach. But something has to be said for having someone wise who has been there and done that and also has a feel for what other people are doing around the country. It provides a massive amount of value and insight, which makes business easier. It’s really easy to get into our own bubble or just talk to people in your own brokerage and limit your possibilities. Getting exposed to what other people are doing is what helps us grow the most both personally and in business. 

Guest Info

Sammy DeStefano is a Realtor in Arizona. After spending 6 years in car sales working for BMW in Phoenix, Arizona, Sammy got accustomed to not only sales but more importantly rain making and prospecting. Initially he got into real estate because he had reached his ceiling at my BMW dealership as a business development center caller, sales guy, and ultimately a finance director. After leaving the dealership and getting his license, Sammy joined Mike Ferry Premier coaching within 90 days and was off to the races. In his first year, Sammy sold 30 homes (all expired and canceled listings that he cold called). In his second year, he sold 35 homes from January to June with a goal of 60 homes sold for the year. The rest is history... 

Sammy is proactive and finds his own business, calling and door knocking, and there are more than enough clients to help out there. For more information or to connect with Sammy, call or text 919.454.6482. 

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