PROPERTYSPARK INTERVIEWS: Cindy Charles, Real Estate Agent

A residential real estate agent focused on excellent customer service.

 Montreal, QC

Londono Group

 Cindy Charles |   collectivelybe 

What inspired you to start in real estate and how did you motivate yourself to keep going?

I’ve always had a general love for the real estate industry and all the connected field such as interior design. I used to spend so much time online looking at properties and one day it just dawned on me that I needed to make a career out of it. Being a real estate broker is a great middle ground between entrepreneurship and the 9 to 5 world. You get to be very independent while having the support of an office environment.

Comparing your business from back then to now, what has been the main thing that allowed you to expand your business?

The main thing that has allowed me to expand my business is patience, perseverance and continuous training. Patience and perseverance is essential in this business because there’s no magic trick to building your clientele. It takes time and you have to just keep going to eventually see the fruits of your labor. Real Estate touches a lot of other fields like construction, legal practices, municipal regulations, etc so it’s important to never get too comfortable in thinking that you know it all. On going training is how you stay an expert in the field.

What’s the most profitable aspect of your business, why do you think this is and how can others apply this to what they are doing?

The beauty of the business, like in most sales related jobs, is that the sky is the limit! You are the creator of your career so you can make as much or as little as you want. You can work solo or in a team. The industry is booming, so if you are an ambitious person, there’s many ways to make this business profitable.  I recommend finding a mentor or to partner up with someone who has more experience. That’s what I did at the beginning and by assisting this more experienced broker, I was able to learn much faster than I would on my own.

When did you realize you were successful/made it and how did you feel/celebrate?

This is a tricky question…I consider myself successful because I define success as being self employed and debt free. I am successful because I am happy and I get to do a job I enjoy. Have I “made it”? I don’t think I would say I’ve made it yet because I haven’t obtained my financial goal but I celebrate every deal I close with a glass of champagne because each small victory brings me a step closer.

Looking back, what could you have done sooner to get to that point quicker?

I wish I had gotten my license sooner. I wasted a bit of time debating if it was too risky. Turns out it was worth the risk!

What should other real estate entrepreneurs reading this be focusing on to expand their own business?

They should focus on exactly that, it is a business. They need to run it as such…meaning like any business, every department matters. You can’t just focus on sales and forget about customer service, marketing, accounting and etc.

How has social media and online marketing affected your real estate business? How much more success have you had now after implementing social media and online marketing efforts?

Social media definitely helps my business. I’ve had people reach out to me through social medial for Real Estate advice or to hire me as their broker. Usually clients will choose to work with you because they like you, not necessarily because of the agency you’re with. Social media helps in terms of branding and marketing yourself to your clients.

How did you build your team?

For now I don’t have an official team. When I need the extra help, I partner up with people I trust.

How did you become a good leader?

By treating people the way i would want to be treated.

What do you consider the main differences between those people who have been successful in your industry and those who have failed?

The main difference is simply that some kept trying while others gave up before they could succeed. Of course some people have a head start if for example they come from a family of real estate developers or realtor or something that refers clients but at the end of the day we can all be successful in the field. It just might be faster or it might take longer for some.

What’s Your Approach To Marketing?

Consistency.

Final Thoughts

For me it’s not just business, it’s personal. Every client matters.

Follow my facebook page about all kinds of tips related to real estate or to contact me for all your real estate needs.