Unlocking Real Estate: Colibri Real Estate Podcast

In this episode of My First Commission, we sit down with Paul Haley, a Scottsdale-based agent with eXp Realty, who skipped college and launched his real estate career straight out of high school. At just 20 years old, Paul has already closed $8.8 million in sales in his first year—all by focusing on open houses instead of social media.

Paul shares how he challenged himself to do 100 open houses in 100 days in North Scottsdale, mastering market knowledge and building client relationships from the ground up. That consistency paid off—his first commission came from a visitor at an open house who trusted him enough to list a $3.5M property that had sat unsold for six months. Paul rebranded the listing, repositioned it with a unique marketing approach, and sold it in just three days.

Tune in to hear:

- How Paul built trust with luxury buyers at age 20
- His approach to learning one new thing every day
- Why open houses beat cold calls for his business model
- How he structures conversations to build value without pressure
- His long-term plan to pair open houses with content creation
- Paul’s story is a masterclass in hustle, humility, and how to build a business when all you have is grit and a good attitude.

🎧 Chapters
00:00 – Introduction: Meet Paul Haley
02:30 – From High School to Real Estate Full-Time
06:00 – The 100 Open Houses in 100 Days Challenge
10:00 – His First Deal: A $3.5M Listing Win
15:00 – Lessons from Early Failures and Persistence
20:00 – Mentorship and Scaling Into Luxury
25:00 – Advice for New Agents Focused on Learning
30:00 – The Future: Branding, Video & Staying Consistent

🔗 Find Paul Haley Online
Instagram – @paul.haley (Real estate specialist in Scottsdale; faith, family, health–focused posts) 

LinkedIn – Paul Haley, Real Estate Specialist at The Tackett Team / eXp Realty (5,700+ followers; sharing market updates & team achievements) 

Facebook – Paul Haley, Real Estate Broker (Toronto page, but his Zillow & Tackett Team listings highlight his Scottsdale work) 

Zillow Profile – Showcases 6 completed sales (transactions ranged from $436K–$2.85M) and specialty in Scottsdale & Paradise Valley 

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?
Are you a motivated rookie agent with a unique tale of success? We want to feature your first commission journey on My First Commission! Apply now and inspire others.

#MyFirstCommission #PaulHaley #ScottsdaleRealEstate #RookieRealtor #eXpRealty #SocialMediaLeadGen #UnlockingRealEstate

📝 Description
In this episode of My First Commission from Unlocking Real Estate by Colibri Real Estate, we speak with Courtney Bullock, a Arizona native with a 25‑year finance career turned RE/MAX Cornerstone agent in Cave Creek/Phoenix. After transitioning into real estate in 2023, Courtney was named an RISMedia Rookie of the Year finalist and quickly turned her organization and people skills into a successful real estate practice. 

She dives into:

What motivated her to leave a stable finance job and launch a new career

How she partnered with community and education to build trust during her pivot

Her first sales experiences, including land & luxury listings across Phoenix-area neighborhoods

The role follow‑through, checklists, and consistent client care have played in growing her referral base

Whether you’re shifting careers or starting fresh in real estate, Courtney’s story offers real, practical inspiration for making your first mark in the market.

🎧 Chapters
00:00 – Intro & Background

02:30 – Finance to Real Estate: The Catalyst Moment

06:00 – First Listings: Land & Luxury Homes

10:15 – Building Community Connections

13:45 – Process-Driven Follow‑Through & Marketing

17:00 – RISMedia Rookie of the Year Finalist

20:30 – Advice for New Agents & Next Goals

🔗 Connect with Courtney Bullock
Instagram (@courtneysellsarizona) – Realtor® at RE/MAX Cornerstone sharing lifestyle, listings & client highlights 
Facebook (Courtney Bullock – RE/MAX Cornerstone) – Updates on local listings, client success stories & community events 
LinkedIn (Courtney Bullock) – Finance-to-real estate transition, local market expertise & volunteerism

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?
Are you a new or transitioning real estate agent with a first‑commission story? We’d love to feature your journey. Apply now to be on My First Commission and inspire others!

In this episode of My First Commission from Unlocking Real Estate by Colibri Real Estate, we chat with Angela Trible, a Midwest transplant turned Realtor® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Mesa/Gilbert, Arizona. Angela shares her career pivot—from science-focused academics and logistics into real estate after relocating in 2022—and how her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and values-driven approach helped her break into the market and close her first home sales.

She dives into:
How faith, family, and a science background inform her client relationships

The challenges and rewards of moving to Arizona and starting fresh in real estate

Strategies for serving first-time buyers and investors with precision and care

Building long-term connections through trust, organization, and persistence

Angela’s story highlights how personal values and operational excellence can lead to early real estate success—and lasting client loyalty.

🎧 Chapters
00:00 – Meet Angela & Background

02:45 – The Move from Midwest to Mesa/AZ

06:30 – Transitioning from Logistics to Real Estate

10:20 – First Listings & Transaction Lessons

14:00 – Serving Buyers & Investors with Detail

18:15 – Building Trust Through Faith & Family Focus

22:00 – Advice for New Agents Starting Fresh

🔗 Connect with Angela Trible
Instagram – @angela_trible: Announcements about joining Berkshire Hathaway Arizona Properties and personal insights

Facebook – Angela Trible: Realtor® at BHHS Arizona Properties, faith-centric real estate posts

LinkedIn – Angela Trible: Midwest-born, science-minded Realtor® in Mesa/Gilbert; posts about work anniversary and real estate journey 

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?
If you're a new agent with a meaningful journey to your first commission, we'd love to feature you! Apply now to be on My First Commission and inspire other rookies with your experiences.

#MyFirstCommission #AngelaTrible #MesaRealEstate #BHHSAZ #RookieRealtor #FirstDeal #ValuesDrivenBusiness #UnlockingRealEstate

🎧 Description:

In this week's My First Commission episode of Unlocking Real Estate, we sit down with Derek Tschilar, a rising star at Realty ONE Group in Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona. In just two years, Derek has already closed over $500,000 in commissions—building a robust business around residential and multifamily properties.

Derek shares how he carved his niche in the Phoenix market, leveraging his communication and marketing skills to move homes off-market and develop a loyal referral base. With experience in homes priced between $175K–$630K and totaling over $17 million in sales, he reveals his tactical approach to client acquisition and branding in a competitive market.

🗂️ Chapter Highlights:

**00:00 – Introduction & Background**
**02:30 – First Deal & Market Entry**
**06:15 – Creating Off‑Market Opportunities**
**09:40 – Marketing Strategies for Phoenix Buyers & Sellers**
**13:00 – Building a Multifamily Portfolio**
**16:45 – Managing Rapid Growth & Scaling Habits**
**20:10 – Advice for Ambitious Rookie Agents**
**23:00 – What’s Next: Long‑Term Vision in Real Estate**

🔗 Connect with Derek Tschilar:

Instagram: @derektschilar – Showcases his market activity from homes to community insights 
instagram.com

LinkedIn: Derek Tschilar – 820+ followers; posts on motivation, market trends & agent mindset 
linkedin.com

Twitter/X: @DerekTschilar – Promotes his Phoenix Area house search services and community involvement 
podchaser.com
+15
twitter.com
+15
phoenixareahousesearch.com
+15

Facebook: Derek Tschilar – Residential & Commercial insights and off‑MLS listings 
homes.com
+2
facebook.com
+2
facebook.com
+2

Email & Mobile: (480) 432‑4849 · [email protected] 
phoenixareahousesearch.com
+3
map.realtyonegroup.com
+3
facebook.com
+3

🚀 Ready to apply?

Are you a driven rookie agent with a compelling story about your first commission? We want to feature your journey on *My First Commission*! Apply today to share your success and inspire other new agents.

\#g RealEstatePodcast #MyFirstCommission #DerekTschilar #PhoenixRealEstate #RookieSuccess #RealtyONEGroup #UnlockingRealEstate

In this episode of My First Commission, we highlight Paul Haley, a Scottsdale-based agent with eXp Realty who built a thriving luxury real estate business—without relying on social media to start. Paul shares how he leveraged open houses to break into multimillion-dollar listings, including a $3M sale that came from a simple follow-up and rapport-building lunch.

At just 21 years old, Paul walks us through:
- Why attending 4–5 open houses per week helped him enter the luxury space
- How he built trust with clients despite his age and experience level
- His signature open house method that prioritizes connection over hard sells
- The follow-up process that won him deals—like handwritten notes, personal texts, and customized MLS insights
- Why mastering contracts and client service came before branding and Instagram posts
- Paul proves you don’t need flashy ads or big budgets to succeed—just consistency, humility, and genuine human connection.

📌 Episode Chapters:
00:00 – Meet Paul Haley: Scottsdale Native with a Dream
02:15 – Getting Licensed & Overcoming Test Anxiety
06:30 – Why Open Houses Became His Key to Luxury
10:00 – The Haley Open House Formula
15:00 – $3M Sale Story: Rapport, Strategy & Timing
20:00 – Challenges of Being a Young Agent
26:00 – Long-Term Vision and Staying Grounded

🔗 Connect with Paul Haley:
Website: haley-housing.com
Instagram: @paul.haley
Email: [email protected]

🎧 Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a new agent with an inspiring journey to your first commission? We'd love to feature you on the My First Commission series. Apply now to be a guest on the show! https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

In this episode of My First Commission, we spotlight Stacy Cole, who transitioned from a church daycare director in Saraland, Alabama, to RISMedia’s 2023 National Rookie of the Year. Achieving $10.7 million in sales across 54 transactions in her first year, Stacy shares how she built a thriving real estate business through community connections, relentless follow-up, and unwavering dedication.

Stacy delves into her journey, from her first land sale to becoming a top agent at Realty Executives Bay Group. She emphasizes the importance of building lasting client relationships and the realities of working early mornings, late nights, and weekends to succeed in real estate. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and community engagement in launching a successful real estate career.

📌 Episode Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction & Stacy's Background
• 02:30 – Transitioning from Daycare Director to Real Estate
• 05:45 – First Sale: The Eight-Acre Land Deal
• 09:15 – Building a Client Base through Community Involvement
• 13:00 – Achieving $10.7M in First-Year Sales
• 17:30 – The Importance of Follow-Up and Client Relationships
• 21:00 – Balancing Work and Family Life
• 24:45 – Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Agents

🔗 Connect with Stacy Cole:

• Instagram: @stacy_realtyexecutives
• Facebook: Stacy Cole - Realty Executives Bay Group
• Zillow: Stacy Cole's Profile

Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a new agent with an inspiring journey to your first commission? We'd love to feature you on the My First Commission series. Apply now to be a guest on the show! https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

In this episode of My First Commission, we feature Keely McNeal, a Georgia-based REALTOR® who transitioned from a stay-at-home mom to a top-producing agent, closing over $10 million in sales within her first year. Keely shares her inspiring journey, highlighting how she leveraged her community connections, embraced social media, and maintained unwavering determination to achieve remarkable success in the real estate industry.

Keely discusses the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a burgeoning real estate career, the strategies she employed to build her client base, and the importance of authenticity and consistency in marketing. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic networking, and the impact of a strong personal brand.

📌 Episode Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction & Keely's Background
• 03:15 – Transitioning from Stay-at-Home Mom to REALTOR®
• 07:45 – Building a Client Base through Community Engagement
• 12:30 – Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth
• 17:00 – Achieving $10M in First-Year Sales
• 21:45 – Balancing Motherhood and a Real Estate Career
• 26:00 – Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Agents

🔗 Connect with Keely McNeal:

• Instagram: @relocatingtogeorgia
• Facebook: Keely McNeal, Realtor
• Zillow: Keely McNeal's Profile
• Website: keelymcneal.com

🎧Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a new agent with an inspiring journey to your first commission? We'd love to feature you on the My First Commission series. Apply now to be a guest on the show! https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

In this episode of My First Commission from the Unlocking Real Estate podcast by Colibri Real Estate, we chat with Cain D’Amico, a dynamic Realtor at Lokal Real Estate in Cleveland, Ohio. Cain shares his journey from earning his real estate license in 2023 to becoming a capped agent within his first year—a testament to his dedication and strategic approach. 

Cain discusses how his background in fitness instilled a disciplined mindset that he now applies to his real estate career. He emphasizes the importance of acting decisively and not overthinking, a philosophy that has helped him close deals efficiently. Cain also highlights the supportive environment at Lokal Real Estate, where agents are encouraged to invest in real estate themselves, fostering a culture of growth and success.

Whether you're a new agent seeking inspiration or a seasoned professional looking for fresh perspectives, Cain's story offers valuable insights into building a successful real estate career from the ground up.

📌 Episode Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Cain D’Amico
• 02:30 – Transitioning from Fitness to Real Estate
• 07:15 – Earning a Real Estate License and Early Challenges
• 12:45 – Achieving Capped Agent Status in Year One
• 18:00 – The Importance of Decisive Action
• 23:30 – Investing in Real Estate: A Dual Approach
• 29:00 – Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Agents
• 35:20 – Future Goals and Closing Thoughts

🔗 Connect with Cain D’Amico:

• Instagram: @cain.damico
• Facebook: Cain D’Amico
• Email: [email protected]

🎧 Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a new agent with a compelling journey to your first commission? Apply to be featured on My First Commission and inspire others with your experience. https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

#RealEstatePodcast #MyFirstCommission #CainDAmico #ClevelandRealEstate #RookieAgentSuccess #ColibriRealEstate #UnlockingRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #FitnessToRealEstate #LokalRealEstate

How do you sell over $13.5M in real estate in your first year?
Cindy Summer Perez shares how she did just that—while building a 6-figure marketing agency and balancing life as a broker, model, and community leader. In this on-location episode, Cindy reveals the marketing strategies that helped her stand out, how being bilingual opened new doors, and the mindset shift that made it all possible.

https://www.compass.com/agents/cindy-perez/
https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@cindysummerRE⁩  
https://www.instagram.com/cindysummer.re/

In this episode of My First Commission from the Unlocking Real Estate podcast by Colibri Real Estate, we sit down with Chaka Sellers—a U.S. Air Force veteran turned top-producing agent in Sumter, South Carolina. Chaka shares his journey from military service to real estate success, detailing how his discipline and strategic mindset propelled him to close 25 deals and achieve $8 million in sales within just four years. 

Discover how Chaka leveraged his background to build trust with clients, particularly in military relocations, and how he established the "Properties With Sellers Group" under Slate Realty. He also discusses his approach to real estate investing, including flipping properties and creating personalized plans for clients.

Whether you're a new agent seeking inspiration or a seasoned professional looking for fresh perspectives, Chaka's story offers valuable insights into building a successful real estate career from the ground up.

📌 Episode Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Chaka Sellers
• 02:15 – Transitioning from the Air Force to Real Estate
• 07:30 – Building the "Properties With Sellers Group"
• 12:45 – First Deal: Overcoming Early Challenges
• 18:00 – Specializing in Military Relocations
• 23:10 – Real Estate Investing and Property Flipping
• 29:00 – Strategies for Client Engagement and Goal Setting
• 35:20 – Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Agents
• 40:00 – Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

🔗 Connect with Chaka Sellers:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwsellers04/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaka-sellers04/  
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaka.sellers.9/  

🎧 Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a new agent with a compelling journey to your first commission? Apply to be featured on My First Commission and inspire others with your experience. https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish 

#RealEstatePodcast #MyFirstCommission #ChakaSellers #MilitaryToRealEstate #RookieAgentSuccess #ColibriRealEstate #UnlockingRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #MilitaryRelocation #PropertiesWithSellersGroup