Unlocking Real Estate: Colibri Real Estate Podcast

Meet Melissa Douglas, an agent with Berkshire Hathaway Central IL Realtors in central IL/Bloomington/Normal Area. She is closing in on her second year in real estate, and was awarded Rookie of the year for the Midwest in her first year. She started her real estate career immediately after she graduated college from Illinois State University. In her first year she closed 14 transactions, with over 4 million in sales total. In addition to getting rookie of the year, she also received the Mid Illinois Realtor Association Rising star award, and the Berkshire Hathaway Central IL Realtors New Agent of the year. 

https://www.instagram.com/melissadouglasrealtor/

https://www.facebook.com/MelissaDouglasRealtor/

https://www.bhhscir.com/bloomington/melissa-douglas/cid-3044825

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-douglas-2926a2210/

In this episode we get to interview Sasha Valdes, CEO of Airos Homes at REAL Broker LLC. She's a mom of two young children, and right after having her second baby, she changed careers and became an agent within months! On top of that...she also moved her entire family from Colorado to Florida to launch her real estate career. She's on the Florida Association of Realtors Board of Directors, among earning many other accolades. Make sure to listen to hear some moving stories and great advice for new moms starting out in this career. 

https://www.instagram.com/itssashav/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sashavaldes/

In this episode, we chat with George Gatt - proud realtor with Stephen Joseph Properties based out of Long Island, NY. He says being named a regional finalist for RISMedia's Real Estate Rookie of the Year award has been an incredible experience highlighting the dedication, commitment, and effort he's invested in his real estate career. In his first year, he focused on building strong relationships with his clients and colleagues which have already led to referrals and repeat business. His authentic drive to help people has been a guiding principle for his transactions allowing him to achieve impressive growth in a short time frame.

https://www.instagram.com/georgegatt.re/

https://www.georgegatt.realtor/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091321691263

In today's episode, we get to meet Jessica Bauer, most anyone who knows her calls her Jess (but some that have known her forever call her Jessie!). She is a part of the One Roof Team of The KW Collective in Maryland. She was born and raised in Maryland, and happily enjoys serving a large portion of Central Maryland. In November 2024, she was named the Southeast RISMedia Rookie of the Year sponsored by Colibri - which was an incredible honor to win and be nominated as one of the 5 finalists to be chosen for ROY. 

https://www.facebook.com/jessbauerrealtor/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-bauer-parker-3045172/

https://www.instagram.com/jess.bauer_realtor/

Meet Yankun Zhen with TeamFast Brokered by eXp Realty, in Oakland CA. As a Rookie of the Year candidate for RISmedia, his journey has been marked by dedication, client satisfaction, and strong sales performance. In his first year, he successfully closed 14 transactions, leveraging market knowledge and negotiation skills to secure favorable deals for clients. He's built a reputation for being responsive, detail-oriented, and trustworthy; guiding buyers and sellers through the complex real estate process with ease. By focusing on building strong relationships, providing exceptional service, and staying ahead of market trends, he's established himself as a promising new talent in the real estate industry.

https://www.fastagents.com/agents/yankun-zhen

https://www.facebook.com/Zhen.Realty

https://www.instagram.com/zhen.realty/

Meet Emily Blake, Realtor with The Chris Fritch Team & eXp realty in Twin Cities Metro. Emily closed 27 transactions in her first year in real estate, and has another 44 year to date in her second year. Emily was recognized as one of the top regional rookie agents nationwide in RISMedia’s Top 25 Rookie of the Year Finalists for 2024 and was also a 2024 Super Real Estate Agent. She's an avid runner and marathon enthusiast and a former special needs teacher. When Emily made the decision to join the esteemed Chris Fritch Team, it was driven by a genuine desire to give back to others and make a positive impact on the community. With unwavering energy, professionalism, and a commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest real estate trends, Emily strives to provide unparalleled service to each and every individual she has the privilege of working with, regardless of the hour.

https://www.instagram.com/emilyblake_realtor/

https://www.facebook.com/EmilyBlakeExpRealty/

Meet Mary Cousley, who lives in Edwardsville, IL and is with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services/Select Properties. To Mary, her achievement as a Rookie of the Year candidate is certainly a reflection of the success she's had helping clients buy and sell their homes in her first year. However, it is more than just recognition for closing sales - it is a validation that putting in the work to be the best agent she can be gets noticed. This business is more than buying and selling a house or property - she is in this business to help transform the lives of the people she serves and build relationships. That is the true reward and will only lead to future growth.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-cousley-09891629b/

https://www.instagram.com/marycousleyrealtor/

https://mary-cousley.metroeastliving.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008558555224

Meet Shirley Kimmel, realtor with John L. Scott in Redmond, WA. Her career as an agent began in the middle of 2022, after studying with Rockwell Institute and passing the licensing exam. She says it has been such a pleasure to help people with their real estate needs over the last couple of years. 

In 2023, she was awarded the Rookie of the Year for John L. Scott for Western WA, after a very rewarding year! Amazingly, that was taken a step further and RIS Media/Colibri Real Estate nominated her as a finalist for their 2024 Rookie of the Year award. 

https://www.instagram.com/shirley.kimmel.real_estate/

https://www.facebook.com/shirley.kimmel.3

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirley-kimmel-39b233250/

Meet Heather Stenson, she is a real estate professional with Connect Realty, based in The Woodlands. She is proud to have partnered with Veterans United Realty, which allows her to specialize in helping military families and veterans navigate the home-buying process. Through her work with Veterans United, she's able to offer expert guidance and ensure that those who have served our country have a smooth and rewarding real estate experience.

As a candidate for Rookie of the Year, she's honored to have achieved a strong track record early in her career. She's been dedicated to providing exceptional service, building lasting relationships, and achieving success for her clients. She's excited to continue growing in the industry.

https://www.thestensongrouprealestate.com/team/heather-stenson

https://www.facebook.com/heather.stenson.50/

https://www.instagram.com/heather_stenson_realtor_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-stenson-2456321a9/

Sydney Hathaway, also known as Ms. Oklahoma City, is a dynamic realtor serving the Oklahoma City metro area with eXp Realty. In 2024, Sydney earned recognition as a top 25 finalist for Rookie of the Year and secured a spot on Real Producers' Top 500 Agents list. Sydney is highly involved in Hope Is Alive's Young Professional Advisory Board and taught a First Time Home Buyers Class for individuals winning the battle against drug and alcohol addiction which resulted in 5 successful LIFE CHANGING closings! Sydney also is the state leader for eXp Young Professionals in Oklahoma and the co-chair for her state agent advisory council within eXp Realty. She has a passion for collaboration over competition and seeks to leave every individual she meets better than when she met them.

https://www.instagram.com/ms.oklahomacity/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-hathaway-5b7288280/

https://www.facebook.com/SydneyHathawayRealEstateAgent