Featured Author: Janki Patel

This article is part of an ongoing series that highlights and celebrates the women and real estate professionals of LabCoat Agents. Thank you for all you do!

Being a minority woman, in Real Estate, and knowing what I know today about this industry; the challenges, personalities, and different roles that come with the territory, some might ask, “would I have picked this as my chosen career?”

First off, I would like to mention, I am writing this article as a woman who was pushed into this career not by will but by the desperation of money.. they say if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life and money will follow. Well, that was not the case for me.. in fact, it was quite the opposite.

I endured many challenges when I first joined The real estate industry. There were many, to say the least, but I remember each and every one of them. When I joined the industry, 18 years ago, in NJ I never thought I would be as successful as I am today. I was timid, shy, and had no confidence in myself, in fact, I never even knew what to say to people or even how to talk to people… I saw so many realtors being successful and thought to myself, “what and how can I get there, how can I get more listings, what do I need to do in order to be as successful as other realtors in my company”. It was a daunting feeling, to say the least.

Fast forward to when I moved to California, I remember when top producers shut their doors on me because I didn’t have the “look”, or couldn’t afford to dress as a high-end realtor, or had high luxury handbag or shoes and it intimidated me to a point that I went into depression.

You see, I wonder why women themselves made other women feel this way? I wondered. Through all of the challenges I faced, starting from not knowing where to start my career in RE here in California, to begging for open houses, I realized my strength as a woman, so I pushed myself. I attended every training possible, went to every single class, and asked many questions. I was even willing to give 50% of my commission up to learn the ropes from top producers but no one wanted to teach me. To this day, I don’t know if it was that I am a woman of Indian nationality or just because I didn’t talk the talk and walk the walk like them. I still, to this day wonder why I was treated that way. In fact, that inspired me to get into coaching, so I could share my story and help other people going through the same thing.

Knowing what I know today, I encourage all realtors of any background color, or race to stand confident and never to feel intimidated because you never know what the other person may or may not have Never let any realtor make you feel like you are any less because you are just as powerful and confident as they are, if not better.

My advice to new realtors is this: if you know your scripts, no one makes you feel intimidated, (I learned the hard way) but once I knew them there was no stopping me. It only takes a listing or 2.

Find yourself a good mentor, read good books, and stay focused on your goals and if You want to make this a business have the dedication to your calendar.

I am proud to be a woman who is a part of a minority group/ ethnicity and background. I now love what I do because it brings me pure joy in not only helping other realtors build their businesses but also my clients with their future RE investments.