The Agent's Secret: Why You Should Never Write Off a "Picky" Client
The First Deal is Just the Beginning: An Agent's Journey into Real Estate Investment
For many, the journey into real estate begins with a simple, profound desire: the dream of owning a home. It’s a classic American ambition, a symbol of independence, stability, and success. But for a select few, that dream isn't just about personal ownership; it's the first step on a path to a much larger goal—becoming a real estate professional. This is the story of Altiman Howlett, a dedicated agent at Dream Select Realty, who recently celebrated a milestone that every new agent dreams of: closing his first deal.
In a recent episode of "The Dream is Real" podcast, host Gwen Marshall sat down with Altiman to discuss this pivotal moment and what it means for his future. Their conversation wasn't just a celebration of a closed deal; it was a deep dive into the lessons learned, the mindset shifts required, and the strategic vision of a young professional who sees his current role not as an end, but as a crucial stepping stone to something even bigger: real estate investment.
For many, the journey into real estate begins with a simple, profound desire: the dream of owning a home. It’s a classic American ambition, a symbol of independence, stability, and success. But for a select few, that dream isn't just about personal ownership; it's the first step on a path to a much larger goal—becoming a real estate professional. This is the story of Altiman Howlett, a dedicated agent at Dream Select Realty, who recently celebrated a milestone that every new agent dreams of: closing his first deal.
In a recent episode of "The Dream is Real" podcast, host Gwen Marshall sat down with Altiman to discuss this pivotal moment and what it means for his future. Their conversation wasn't just a celebration of a closed deal; it was a deep dive into the lessons learned, the mindset shifts required, and the strategic vision of a young professional who sees his current role not as an end, but as a crucial stepping stone to something even bigger: real estate investment.
The Genesis of a Dream: From Personal Goal to Professional Passion
Altiman’s journey began with his own personal aspirations. He wanted to own his own home, a tangible piece of property to call his own. This desire sparked a deeper curiosity about the real estate world. He realized that if he wanted to achieve his own dream, he could also help others achieve theirs. The idea of not only finding his own property but also helping countless others do the same while building a career was a powerful motivator.
This dual purpose—personal ambition and a desire to serve—is a common thread among successful real estate professionals. It's the engine that drives them through the long hours, the learning curve, and the inevitable rejections. For Altiman, this passion was essential, especially when he heard stories from veteran agents about the challenging first year. Many agents go an entire year without closing a single deal, a statistic that can be daunting for any newcomer. But instead of being discouraged, Altiman used it as motivation. He was determined not to become another statistic. He wanted to hit the ground running, and with the help of the Dream Select Realty team, he did just that.
Altiman’s journey began with his own personal aspirations. He wanted to own his own home, a tangible piece of property to call his own. This desire sparked a deeper curiosity about the real estate world. He realized that if he wanted to achieve his own dream, he could also help others achieve theirs. The idea of not only finding his own property but also helping countless others do the same while building a career was a powerful motivator.
This dual purpose—personal ambition and a desire to serve—is a common thread among successful real estate professionals. It's the engine that drives them through the long hours, the learning curve, and the inevitable rejections. For Altiman, this passion was essential, especially when he heard stories from veteran agents about the challenging first year. Many agents go an entire year without closing a single deal, a statistic that can be daunting for any newcomer. But instead of being discouraged, Altiman used it as motivation. He was determined not to become another statistic. He wanted to hit the ground running, and with the help of the Dream Select Realty team, he did just that.
The Sweet Taste of Success: Closing the First Deal
The feeling of closing that first deal, Altiman explains, is more than just a light way to put it. It’s a rush of energy, a powerful validation that everything he's been learning and working for is possible. It transforms the concept of a real estate career from an abstract dream into a tangible reality. The countless hours of studying, the open houses, and the conversations with clients all culminated in a single moment of success.
This victory wasn't just a financial win; it was a profound confidence boost. It proved that he could navigate the complexities of contracts, negotiations, and client expectations. It gave him the momentum to not just continue, but to accelerate his efforts. The dream was no longer just a concept; it was real, and he was a part of making it happen.
The feeling of closing that first deal, Altiman explains, is more than just a light way to put it. It’s a rush of energy, a powerful validation that everything he's been learning and working for is possible. It transforms the concept of a real estate career from an abstract dream into a tangible reality. The countless hours of studying, the open houses, and the conversations with clients all culminated in a single moment of success.
This victory wasn't just a financial win; it was a profound confidence boost. It proved that he could navigate the complexities of contracts, negotiations, and client expectations. It gave him the momentum to not just continue, but to accelerate his efforts. The dream was no longer just a concept; it was real, and he was a part of making it happen.
Patience is a Virtue: Lessons from the Front Lines
One of the most valuable lessons Altiman took away from his first deal was the importance of patience. He recalled working open houses, where potential buyers would come in and meticulously nitpick every detail of the property—from the color of the walls to the size of the backyard. In his early days, these detailed criticisms would make him doubt the client's seriousness. He’d think, "This person is never going to buy anything."
But what he learned was that people’s initial reactions don't always tell the full story. The very person who was "nitpicking" the property ended up being the one who purchased it. This experience was a game-changer. It taught him that clients are making a major purchase, and it’s natural for them to scrutinize every detail. They’re not being difficult; they’re being diligent.
This realization changed his perspective. He now understands that every interaction is a potential opportunity. A client who seems hesitant or overly critical might just need a little more time, a second look, or a moment to sit with the decision. Writing people off too early is a mistake. Altiman now approaches every conversation with the understanding that patience is key, and every person who walks through the door is a potential client who needs guidance, not judgment.
One of the most valuable lessons Altiman took away from his first deal was the importance of patience. He recalled working open houses, where potential buyers would come in and meticulously nitpick every detail of the property—from the color of the walls to the size of the backyard. In his early days, these detailed criticisms would make him doubt the client's seriousness. He’d think, "This person is never going to buy anything."
But what he learned was that people’s initial reactions don't always tell the full story. The very person who was "nitpicking" the property ended up being the one who purchased it. This experience was a game-changer. It taught him that clients are making a major purchase, and it’s natural for them to scrutinize every detail. They’re not being difficult; they’re being diligent.
This realization changed his perspective. He now understands that every interaction is a potential opportunity. A client who seems hesitant or overly critical might just need a little more time, a second look, or a moment to sit with the decision. Writing people off too early is a mistake. Altiman now approaches every conversation with the understanding that patience is key, and every person who walks through the door is a potential client who needs guidance, not judgment.
The Ultimate Goal: From Agent to Investor
While being a successful agent is a rewarding career in itself, Altiman sees it as a foundation for his ultimate goal: becoming a real estate investor. He recognizes that you can't just jump into investing without a deep understanding of the market. His time as an agent is a critical learning period, a chance to get a full, 360-degree view of the real estate landscape.
He's learning the nuances of different neighborhoods, understanding what buyers are looking for, and seeing firsthand what makes a property appealing (or not). This knowledge is invaluable. He wants to know his way around the business, to navigate it with confidence and expertise before he starts putting his own money on the line.
Altiman’s plan is a smart one. By working with clients, he’s gaining insight into what drives buying decisions, what red flags exist in properties, and how to spot a good opportunity. This experience will serve him well when he's ready to transition into flipping houses or acquiring investment properties. He’s building a real-world education that no textbook or online course can provide. The open houses, the client meetings, and the contract negotiations are all pieces of the puzzle that will one day make him a formidable investor.
While being a successful agent is a rewarding career in itself, Altiman sees it as a foundation for his ultimate goal: becoming a real estate investor. He recognizes that you can't just jump into investing without a deep understanding of the market. His time as an agent is a critical learning period, a chance to get a full, 360-degree view of the real estate landscape.
He's learning the nuances of different neighborhoods, understanding what buyers are looking for, and seeing firsthand what makes a property appealing (or not). This knowledge is invaluable. He wants to know his way around the business, to navigate it with confidence and expertise before he starts putting his own money on the line.
Altiman’s plan is a smart one. By working with clients, he’s gaining insight into what drives buying decisions, what red flags exist in properties, and how to spot a good opportunity. This experience will serve him well when he's ready to transition into flipping houses or acquiring investment properties. He’s building a real-world education that no textbook or online course can provide. The open houses, the client meetings, and the contract negotiations are all pieces of the puzzle that will one day make him a formidable investor.
The Dream Select Realty Difference
Altiman’s story is a testament to the power of a supportive environment. The journey of a new agent can be tough, but at Dream Select Realty, we believe in providing the mentorship and resources needed to help our agents succeed. We celebrate their wins, learn from their challenges, and provide a platform for their growth. Altiman’s success is our success, and we're proud to be a part of his journey.
Just like Altiman's own personal dream of homeownership fueled his career, we want to help you achieve your own real estate goals. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, sell a property, or get started in the real estate profession, we're here to help.
Remember, the dream is real. With passion, hard work, and a little patience, you can turn your aspirations into reality.
Altiman’s story is a testament to the power of a supportive environment. The journey of a new agent can be tough, but at Dream Select Realty, we believe in providing the mentorship and resources needed to help our agents succeed. We celebrate their wins, learn from their challenges, and provide a platform for their growth. Altiman’s success is our success, and we're proud to be a part of his journey.
Just like Altiman's own personal dream of homeownership fueled his career, we want to help you achieve your own real estate goals. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, sell a property, or get started in the real estate profession, we're here to help.
Remember, the dream is real. With passion, hard work, and a little patience, you can turn your aspirations into reality.
Ready to turn your dream into a reality?
- Buying or Selling: Contact one of our experienced agents today!
- Interested in a Career: Learn about what it's like to be an agent with Dream Select Realty.
- Have a question? Reach out to us at hometeam@dreamselectrealty.com.
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