Podcast Summary: F.I.R.E.D Up with Krista Mashore – Episode 938: From A Nurse to a Full-Time Real Estate Agent
Introduction
In Episode 938 of F.I.R.E.D Up with Krista Mashore, host Krista Mashore interviews Shanara Carter, a dynamic real estate agent who transitioned from a successful nursing career to dominating the Chicago real estate market. This episode delves into Shanara's inspiring journey, the strategies she implemented from Krista's program, and the keys to her remarkable success in one of the most challenging real estate markets since 1995.
Guest Introduction: Shanara Carter’s Background
Shanara Carter, a native of Chicago, Illinois, brings seven years of real estate experience, with five years dedicated full-time to the industry. Despite her relatively short tenure, Shanara has made significant strides, establishing herself as a powerhouse in the Chicagoland real estate market.
- Quote: “[Shanara] is crushing it in the craziest market since 1995.” [00:55]
Transition from Nursing to Real Estate: Taking the Leap of Faith
Shanara’s journey from a six-figure nursing career to real estate was both bold and timely. She joined Krista's program in January 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was unfolding, a period that added uncertainty to her career switch.
- Quote: “I decided to walk away from my job without a real plan. It was a two-week notice, I gave a two-week notice, I left. I stepped out on faith.” [00:00]
Shanara emphasizes the critical role Krista’s program played in building her confidence and providing the necessary knowledge to make such a significant career change.
- Quote: “Without having this program, I know, oh, I would not have made that leap of faith.” [00:36]
Joining Krista’s Program: Building Confidence Amidst a Pandemic
Shanara joined Krista Mashore’s program in January 2020, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This period was particularly challenging, yet it underscored the program’s effectiveness in equipping her with the skills and confidence needed to thrive.
- Quote: “It was around Covid right when Covid hit.” [02:44]
Within three months, Shanara had garnered enough confidence and expertise to transition fully into real estate, a decision that proved transformative for her career.
- Quote: “In that short three months I built enough confidence. I learned so much in three months that gave me enough confidence to walk away from that six-figure job.” [00:00]
Progression and Success: From Buyer’s Agent to Top Producer
Initially focusing on buyer’s agents, Shanara’s participation in Krista’s program catalyzed her shift towards securing listings. Her growth was rapid, with substantial improvements in her standing within her real estate association.
- Quote: “I started getting top 15% of my association.” [04:01]
Shanara attributes her success to the "secret sauce listing system" taught in the program, which has enabled her to consistently secure listings without losing any she pursued.
- Quote: “She has never lost a listing since she implemented my secret sauce listing system.” [04:01]
In 2023, her team received a top producer team award, highlighting her effective implementation of the strategies learned.
- Quote: “In 2023 because of that my team got top, top producer team award for the association because of everything I implemented from this program.” [04:01]
Marketing Strategies: The Comprehensive Approach
Shanara employs a multifaceted marketing approach derived from Krista’s program, focusing on comprehensive preparation and relationship building.
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CMA Box and Marketing Materials: Shanara prepares a Comprehensive Market Analysis (CMA) box filled with marketing plans, seller’s guides, checklists, and promotional materials to provide potential clients with detailed information about her services.
- Quote: “My marketing plan is in there. My seller's guide is in there. My what to expect while listing is in there. My book is in there.” [06:24]
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Pre-Marketing Videos: She sends out pre-marketing videos that explain her unique approach to selling properties, covering advanced topics like marketing, geo-targeting, retargeting, and social media strategies.
- Quote: “They receive a video with pretty much talking about what I'm going to do to market that property, how am I going to get this property sold.” [06:24]
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Social Media and Content Distribution: Shanara leverages social media to establish herself as a trusted authority in the community, consistently distributing valuable content to maintain visibility and engagement.
- Quote: “I am marketing and a lot of … people are recommending me. You got to call her.” [06:24]
Video Marketing: Building Trust and Authenticity
A significant component of Shanara’s strategy is video marketing, which she credits with transforming her relationship with clients and enhancing her market presence.
- Quote: “Video has changed everything for me.” [13:17]
Shanara overcame initial fears of being on camera by prioritizing authenticity, allowing clients to see and hear the real her, thereby building trust and fostering parasocial relationships.
- Quote: “If you just start recording and you just start doing video, they get to see you. So … they get to see you, they get to hear you, they're engaged.” [14:07]
She utilizes video not only for marketing properties but also for personal engagement, such as sending birthday videos and personalized video messages, which significantly enhance client relationships.
- Quote: “Everything rolled up in one. If you just start recording and you just start doing video, they get to see you.” [14:07]
Community Market Leadership: Establishing Dominance in the Local Market
Shanara’s approach emphasizes becoming a community market leader by being actively present and consistently engaging with the local community through strategic content distribution.
- Quote: “My job as a real estate agent is to become what I call a community market leader.” [10:33]
By focusing on serving rather than just selling, Shanara effectively positions herself as the go-to authority in real estate within her community.
- Quote: “Anytime somebody thinks about real estate, they need to be thinking about you.” [10:33]
Handling Tough Markets: Thriving Amidst Challenges
Despite operating in one of the toughest real estate markets since 1995, Shanara reports having her best year in 2024, a testament to the effectiveness of her strategies and the supportive community fostered by Krista’s program.
- Quote: “2024 was my best year in real estate … I know I am on the right path.” [16:00]
Shanara highlights the importance of support, continuous learning, and community in navigating and succeeding in a challenging market environment.
- Quote: “Because I have the right support, because I have the right community.” [16:00]
Advice and Closing: Empowering Real Estate Agents
Towards the end of the episode, Shanara shares invaluable advice for both new and experienced real estate agents:
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Embrace Video Marketing:
- Quote: “Just pick your phone up and hit record.” [14:02]
- She encourages agents to start creating video content without fear, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and consistency.
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Get Out of Your Own Way:
- Quote: “Get out of your own way so that you can be your future self now.” [22:52]
- Shanara advises agents to overcome internal barriers and focus on their long-term goals, trusting in the process and the support systems in place.
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Continuous Learning:
- Quote: “You can never know too much … you're a constant student.” [20:14]
- She underscores the significance of being a perpetual learner, not just in real estate but in all aspects of life.
Connect with Shanara Carter
For those inspired by Shanara’s journey and eager to implement similar strategies, she is accessible through various platforms:
- Social Media Handles: @homewithShanara on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
- Contact Information: Phone: 312-300-2083 | Email: email@example.com
- Podcast: @DeannaShanara podcast on Spotify, discussing real estate and life impacts.
Conclusion
Shanara Carter’s story is a compelling testament to the power of confidence, strategic marketing, and community support in achieving extraordinary success in real estate. By leveraging the comprehensive strategies provided by Krista Mashore’s program, Shanara has not only transitioned successfully from nursing to real estate but has also thrived in a notoriously difficult market. Her emphasis on video marketing, community engagement, and continuous learning offers a roadmap for other entrepreneurs and real estate agents aiming to stand out and dominate their respective markets.
Notable Quotes:
- Shanara Carter [00:00]: “I decided to walk away from my job without a real plan. It was a two-week notice, I gave a two-week notice, I left. I stepped out on faith.”
- Krista Mashore [00:36]: “Without having this program, I know, oh, I would not have made that leap of faith.”
- Shanara Carter [02:44]: “Right around Covid. Yep.”
- Shanara Carter [04:01]: “She has never lost a listing since she implemented my secret sauce listing system.”
- Shanara Carter [13:17]: “Video has changed everything for me.”
- Shanara Carter [22:52]: “Get out of your own way so that you can be your future self now.”