Odalis Gonzalez is a Bushwick native raised by the boroughs of New York. Graduating with a Bachelors in Psychology, Odalis managed a 24/7 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention Lifeline before pursuing her career in real estate.

Having grown up in Brooklyn, Odalis’ energy and cutting edge expertise keeps her absolutely driven and committed for her clients to see the best results, in the fastest time, and with the least amount of hassle. Odalis is able to take her expertise to help her clients sell at top dollar, find their next property with the least amount of stress, as well as being well versed in the rental market. From staying on top of statistics of the current trends in the market, to continuing to build strategy and marketing techniques, and utilizing technology to connect- Odalis can take care of any of your real estate needs.

Recently we caught up with Odalis and learned about her career journey into becoming a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson.

Here is her story.

How did you become a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson?

I have always been intrigued by real estate by watching my Mom own properties in Brooklyn and be a landlord. As I grew older, my desire to be someone that helped people grew strong and so I went to school for psychology. I ended up working at a Juvenile Detention for 4 years and then moved on the manage a suicide prevention and crisis intervention lifeline for LGBTQ youth. Once I reached the ceiling there, and with no room for growth, I just did not have it in me to go back to school or start over at another organization.

I figured my chance to try out real estate was now or never. So for a year I studied and did my 75-hour licensing course, saved up as aggressively as possible and did not use any vacation hours so that I could cash out and have about 3-4 months worth of bills saved. After about a year and a half, I saved enough, took my exam and passed, and decided to take a plunge.

What is a day in your life look like?

Every day is about who I can find to help next! Real Estate is a business where you have to find your business and ask for it. I wake up at 6:30 to meditate, do a 30-minute workout, have some time to wake up and prepare for the day. By 8:30 am I am looking at my calendar, appointments, any follow up that I have to do.

At 9 am my assistant comes in and we brief on the day, what is needed for the business, clients, etc. I make “lead generating” calls from 9-11, from 11-12 is follow up. 12-1pm I am meeting with my team to role-play scenarios, discuss any updates, events, etc. from 1-3pm I am dealing with any current deals, keeping clients in the know, following up on important items, putting out fires (lots of that lol). If I finish that up early have nothing else, I am back on the phones looking for new people to help.

How did you prepare for this career?

75 hours licensing course followed by a school and state exam.

What have you found challenging working in the real estate industry?

Everyone thinks real estate is BIG AND EASY money. Finding new business and earning peoples trust can be a challenge. I think the perception of Realtors has been close to that of a used car salesman in the past and it can be difficult earning that trust and showing people that value and that you care. After that part, there are SO MANY parts of the real estate process and we are essentially the director of it all. Making sure lenders are doing their end, attorneys, title, things are just getting done to get our clients to the closing table. As an agent, you run an entire business and until you get to the point where you can hire people to leverage yourself out- you are a one-person show.

You are also a certified buyer’s representative. What is a certified buyer’s representative? What does a certified buyer’s representative do?

I basically took additional training to properly service and represent buyers. A Certified Buyers Representative basically trains to be a Buyers Agent (FREE TO ALL BUYERS!) and their fiduciary responsibility is to represent that buyer and their best interest (price, terms, etc.)

How do you stand out in one of the most saturated markets-New York?

I am just myself! I show people that I genuinely care about their real estate goals and making them happen. I share info of value, I try to show folks my hustle on social media so they learn about the business and process. I give a TON of info when I have consultations. I serve as a resource and asset to anyone I come across.

Do you believe individuals can work in real estate part-time? If so, what are some of the challenges?

Anything is possible if someone is dedicated to it. I will say part-time means you have to become a beast at time management and consistency. You should also still be able to responsibly cater to your client’s transaction and needs. I would say even if this is your part-time, put into it as a full time as much as you possibly can.

What are two successes that you’re extremely proud of?

I have just about doubled my business every year. Honestly, making it into my 4th year is HUGE. About 90% of agents quit in their first year and I believe about 80% within 3 years.

What are two career goals you’d like to achieve before the end of 2019?

Help 29+ families (my personal goal) and my team help 50+ families. That’s all one haha, the second would be to start with my first property purchase. It would be a personal home, but a multi-family so partial investment.

What advice do you have for individuals wanted to break into the real estate industry?

Be ready to work, constantly be learning and growing, watch youtube videos related to real estate, cold calling, mindset, read books on entrepreneurship, etc. Just be ready to be at it all day every day. You work hard now so that you can slow down later. I work 6-7 days a week because when I have my children and my family starts to grow, I want to be able to slow down and not worry about it.

How can people connect with you?

Elevated Living Team
Keller Williams Realty Greater Nassau
Address: 400 Garden City Plaza
Suite #438
Garden City, NY 11530
Email: OG@ElevatedLivingNY.com
Cell: 347.223.9028
Office: 516.873.7100  Web: ElevatedLivingNY.com