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For Marissa Donahoo, a military wife and new mother, contributing to the family finances was the ultimate goal when she earned her real estate license two years ago. Becoming a member of the RE/MAX 100 Percent Club during her first year was icing on the cake.
“I went into real estate with an open mind,” says Donahoo, a Broker Associate with RE/MAX Eagle Rock in Loveland, Colo. “I wanted to find a balance between being a stay-at-home mom and having a career. I worked really hard and it’s paid off.”
She joined RE/MAX within a month of earning her license, she says, because RE/MAX was the network that impressed her the most. Every agent she spoke with had nothing but good things to say about the brand. And although she’s quick to credit some of her success to her mentors, including Broker/Owner Ryan Bach and her land developer father, Donahoo also says these seven steps were essential to her rapid ascent:
1. “I studied what the successful agents did.”
For whatever reason, I didn’t pass my real estate license exam the first time. It didn’t discourage me; it motivated me. I started going to classes and I studied what the successful agents did. I also shadowed my father because it was good for me to see how to work with people on the developer’s side.
2. “I wasn’t afraid to ask for help.”
I was the only new Associate at a brokerage with agents who’d been in the business for years. I learned a lot quicker, though, because I wanted to keep pace. I wasn’t afraid to ask for help, and a lot of people were happy to help.
3. “I doubled my goal.”
After I started making deals, I sat down and made a goal list for myself. I had been told that if my goal was to make $100,000, I should be realistic and be happy with $50,000. I thought the complete opposite; I knew I should double my goal. That way, if I set my goal at $100,000, I needed to shoot for $200,000. After I earned my first commission check, that was it – I was ready to go; I couldn’t wait to do it again.
4. “I turn virtual tours into short skits.”
Social media is definitely one of my biggest resources. I’ve gotten a lot of clients from my Facebook page, and past acquaintances who had no idea I was in real estate have found me that way. But instead of posting photos, I create and share virtual tours. I grew up wanting to be an actress, so I turn virtual tours into short skits. It’s something different and entertaining that people really enjoy.
5. “I found motivation in wanting to better my life.”
My kids and my husband are my top motivators, but I also found motivation in wanting to better my life and myself. Having self-worth is important to me and if I can provide for my family, then I’m happy. I also always challenge myself to make more money in the next year than I did in the current year. Every single day is a new challenge.
6. “I learned that real estate is about creating relationships.”
I tell everyone to go into real estate with an open mind. Not every client is going to love you, but you have to love all your clients. Real estate is about creating relationships with people, and it’s important to put yourself in your clients’ shoes. Real estate should be fun, so always have a good attitude – it goes a long way.
7. “I change my goals all the time.”
I definitely have goals for myself. They’re different than they were when I first started, but I make certain that I achieve my goals by the end of every year. Attracting new clients is critical to me. I know how many new clients I want every week and every month. I change my goals all the time, but as long as I continue to set goals, I feel good.
Written by Katharine Davis
