They said, “When an opportunity comes, grab it.” I just did that.
But I didn’t think of the consequences that will come along with this opportunity.
I did learn, however, not to look at the word “consequences” as a negative one…
But rather a stepping stone to getting out of your comfort zone.

I started working here last October 2019. It’s my first time working in a brokerage. From the very minute I accepted Sir John’s job offer, I knew that I badly wanted to establish my career in the real estate industry.

A little backstory, I worked for two different developers before landing in HousingInteractive. They’re both different; one is an established developer, while the other one is a start-up one.

The experience was fun. Yet, as someone who flourishes in environments that encourage growth and new challenges, I resigned from those company and accepted the job at HousingInteractive.

I knew that I would start from zero, I would start in a new working environment, I would literally start all over again. I realized that was okay.

From controlling my own time to forcing myself to wake up at 5AM just so I can reach to the office at 9AM.

From dreading the monotony of working at home…to being outside most of the time and missing my bed more than ever.

From actively scouting clients from social media accounts, family and friends to actively making sure that every client will be accommodated from our various inquiries.

From just selling and focusing myself on one property, to seeing myself going to various properties (and knowing why they’re better than the other).

Everything is so overwhelming.

Yet at the end of the day, I am grateful and excited to see and learn more about the industry.

I’ve been here for just a month, but I can say that my experience here is way more interesting and better than what I’ve ever experienced before.

So here the lessons I’m currently learning based from my first month experience in HousingInteractive:

1. Always, always listen to what your client needs and what they want—and learn to offer that to them. Don’t assume that “Maybe they’ll like this one” because it looks a like a good investment for you. Always remember that at the end of the day, they’re the buyer, they’re the ones who will shell the cash. As a Property Consultant, it’s our responsibility to guide them in their decision towards choosing the right property for them.

2. Learning how to value your time. Mastering time management and being organized are big factors in getting the job done. If you learn who to prioritize and where to put your energy and time, I guarantee you’ll get the job done.

3. You’ll see how patient you are when you encounter people who are hard to talk to. I thought I wasn’t a patient person. However, dealing with people who are hard to talk to, or are always hard to reach, taught me how to be patient and be calm when situations get tough.

4. Face the problems, don’t run from it. If there’s a problem that needs to be addressed immediately, don’t let it pass a day, face it, work on it and you’ll solve it. Better be stressed now than later.

5. “Let the Beginner live alongside the Expert” – Jen Sincero

When I read this line, I realized that we must always put that child-like sense of curiosity in our job. Don’t act as if you know everything, especially in this industry where you deal with a lot of different people. Be curious, ask questions and have fun.

I still have a lot to learn and learning a lot of things excites me more than ever.

Bonus life lessons:

If you are passionate in what you’re doing, no matter how tiring it can get, no matter how much of it is eating your time, you’ll enjoy it. Just learn to take a break from time to time and get back up once that you’re feeling down.

If you failed today, you can always try again tomorrow.