Women Who Thrive In Real Estate | Bethany Nolan
An Interview With Bethany Nolan, Broker Associate at Nolan Properties LLC
Hi Bethany! Tell us your story, what made you want to get into the Real Estate industry?
Getting into the real estate indsutry was always part of the plan for myself and for my family. We always had the intention of starting a brokerage under our family name! For me, it was being part of a family business and to help people with one of the biggest purchases of their life. I've enjoyed helping people through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows - but I've also truly enjoyed the different people I've gotten to meet along the way. I've worked with people from all walks of life and built working relationships and some personal ones that will last a lifetime!
What has been the biggest challenge for you within your career and how have you overcome it?
My age and years in the business has been the biggest challenge to overcome thus far. I'm an agent under 30 years old with 4.5 years in the industry so it creates a challenge when competing against a seasoned agent, but I've really tried to combat this with education and marketing. I pushed myself to get my Broker's license in Texas , which in my opinion is the highest level of commitment as a Realtor, I've gained multiple designations from Accredited Buyer's Representative (ACR) to Seller's Representative Specialist (SRS) to Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) and NAR's Commitment to Excellence (C2EX). I focused my energy on being educated and knowledgeable in the industry along with knowing market trends, neighborhoods and pricing in the area to help me stay competitive in an already oversaturated market. With marketing, I really utilized social media to showcase my skill set and how I can amplify properties as a listing agent in the area.
What has contributed to your success in this business so far?
Referrals, referrals, referrals. Whether it be word of mouth from successful past transactions and clients to Realtors in other areas trusting me to take care of their clients. I've built a trusting relationship with the people around and that has helped me have repeat customers and positive reviews. I always tell clients that I want their trust but not their blind trust - so this is why I treat the home buying or selling process as an educational one. I walk through contracts and the entire process step by step to ensure we are all on the same page.
How do you keep emotions in check and overcome the highs and lows that are inevitable within this business?
I remind myself that 'it's just business.' It can be as straightforward as that. I am representing my client's best interest and other people have their best interest in mind as well. If someone tries to elevate a situation - just step back, take a breath and realize that we are all on the same team to get the deal done and it's a lot easier to work together once everyone involved gets that mindset together for a transaction.
This industry can keep you busy all day - every day, how do you find such a great balance between work-life and personal-life?
This is a continual work in progress for me because our brokerage is a family business so the line is a little blurred! While we have blurred lines - my Broker/Dad has helped me manage my time off by supporting my load and allowing me an opportunity to take a break. Over the years, I've learned when my hard stops are when I'm at dinner with friends or hanging out with family. I'm not a pro yet - but I'm learning to balance out work and personal life through trial and error!
Do you have a particular real estate story that will always stand out for you?
You have a fantastic social media presence, what advice would you have for others when it comes to marketing themselves and building their brand online? Be authentically yourself! It's easy to compare yourself to others and copy what top producing agents in the industry do but it doesn't show people who YOU are. Definitely use people as inspiration and take pieces from other people's content but don't copy. I always emphasize engaging with other channels - support people like you want them to support you. Like their post, comment, slide up on IG stories and SHARE! I've really enjoyed the addition of reels when it comes to content creation on Instagram because I feel like it has given me an outlet to showcase my personality and educate my followers in a fun way.
What has been your best avenue for generating leads and building your clientele?
Social media and word of mouth! I am seventh generation from where I live and sell real estate so I learned immediately how important it was to tell my friends and family that I was in real estate and REMIND THEM so that they could remind others. Lately, social media has really proven itself to be my best lead generation tool. People have enjoyed the educational content I've provided on my channels, but so have other Realtors. Those other Realtors have been a huge source of referrals of new clientele moving to East Texas.
What would you say is your #1 tip for others to start thriving in their careers?
Find your passion or niche in the market. If you don't love it then it will show. I LOVE, love social media and have found a way to engrain this into my business plan within real estate. If you can incorporate passions into your day to day or career then you won't feel like you're working. Another example is my love of interior design. When I gutted my personal home I took everyone along the process with me which went hand-in-hand for my business. This was a way to show people I understand the ins and out of the construction process but also helped show clients that I can help them envision what their potential home will look like!
What’s one thing you wish you could go back and tell yourself on day one as a licensed Realtor?
Immerse yourself in everything! Get involved, go meet new friends and showcase what you're doing with work and in the industry. When I first started in real estate, I refrained from having an Instagram account (only had Facebook) and never posted about closings - I genuinely thought it would annoy people and be braggy. BUT down the road I learned that no one knows what you're doing if you don't tell them! Now I don't post the typical 'just sold' on my channel like my brokerage does, but I do tell stories about the process I went through with my buyers or sellers and the ups and downs that are part of the process. Show people what you're doing!
The secret to success is….
Being unapologetically and authentically yourself!
Great advice! Thank you for keeping it real with us and sharing your story Bethany!