Podcast
Unlocking Real Estate: Colibri Real Estate Podcast
Hosted by Colibri Real Estate: Tina Lapp and Andrew Robinson · EN
Welcome to Unlocking Real Estate - My First Commission where we dive into real stories, big wins, and early lessons learned from highly successful rookie real estate agents and brokers. This is the podcast where we explore how real estate can transform lives one home at a time by sitting down each week with a new agent or broker who has found incredible success in their first year.
Your hosts are instructors and leaders at Colibri Real Estate school, one of the largest real estate educators in the nation where we focus on helping people like you get started or find continued success in their careers.
We’d also love to hear from you! Send your comments, key takeaways, or recommendations to UnlockingRealEstate@colibrirealestate.com
Interested in being on the podcast, or know someone who might be? Please fill out our form: https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Rookie to Real Estate Momentum in Arizona | Dane Miller
Mar 2900:41:50Tap to summarizeWhat does it actually take to get your first real estate commission in Arizona?In this episode of My First Commission, host Tina Lapp sits down with Arizona agent Dane Miller to break down his journey from getting licensed to generating real traction in today’s competitive market.Dane shares the real, unfiltered version of starting out — the doubts, the first deal pressure, and the strategies that actually worked. From building relationships to creating consistency in his daily routine, this episode is packed with practical advice for new and aspiring real estate agents who want to stop overthinking and start producing.If you’re trying to:- Get your first client- Close your first deal- Build momentum in your first year- Understand what actually works in today’s market- This conversation will give you clarity and confidence.⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 Why Dane got into real estate02:10 Early struggles & mindset shifts04:35 Landing the first real client07:15 The first commission check moment09:20 What he’d do differently starting over12:40 Building consistency in a competitive market15:05 Advice for brand-new agents18:10 Arizona market insights21:30 Final advice for future agents🔑 Key Takeaways for New Agents✔️ Your first deal comes from conversations, not luck✔️ Consistency beats motivation✔️ Confidence grows through action✔️ Market knowledge builds trust fast✔️ Momentum compounds in your first 12 months📍 About Dane Miller (Arizona)Real Estate Agent — ArizonaFocus: Residential buyers & sellersMarket: Phoenix metro & surrounding areas🔗 Connect with Dane Millerhttps://www.danemillerrealty.com/https://www.facebook.com/danemillertherealtor/https://www.instagram.com/danemillerxo/https://www.linkedin.com/in/dane-miller-92661431/🎙️ Want to Be Featured on My First Commission?Are you a new or rookie real estate agent with a first-deal story worth sharing?👉 Apply to be featured on the podcast and inspire the next generation of agents here: https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish
Transcribe →Stop Sounding Scripted: The Rookie Realtor Mindset That Built Evan Russell’s Business
Mar 2200:34:24Tap to summarizeFrom nearly two decades in construction to closing 15 transactions in his first year, Evan Russell shares what it really takes to break into real estate and build momentum fast—without the “salesy” stuff.In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, Evan talks about:Why he pivoted careers (and what finally pushed him to go all-in)How he earned credibility as a brand-new agent (hint: it’s not scripts)His first deal—a small land transaction that turned into an early “guardrails” lessonWhy joining a team helped early on (and what changed after year one)Marketing that works better than constant real estate posting: showing you’re humanHow he stays consistent with a simple daily rhythm (high-focus mornings, lighter afternoons)Setting boundaries with clients while still being available—and protecting family timeThe advice he’d give new agents about choosing a brokerage and finding the right peopleIf you’re a new agent (or thinking about getting licensed), this one is a straight-shooting look at the learning curve—and what “being real” can do for your business.Watch, then drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway from Evan’s approach?Subscribe for more rookie-agent wins, lessons, and real-world first commission stories.Connect with Evan: https://onereal.com/profile/evan-russell?backUrl=/search-agent?state_code%3DUS-VThttps://www.instagram.com/realevanrussell_vt/https://www.facebook.com/p/Evan-Russell-Real-Estate-61568220151655/
Transcribe →From Hospital Security to 23 Closings: Mike Paolucci’s First-Year Breakthrough
Mar 1500:42:39Tap to summarizeWhat does it really take to win in your first year in real estate?In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, host Tina Lapp sits down with Mike Paolucci (Columbus, Ohio)—a former hospital security officer and high school football coach who went all-in on real estate and closed ~23 transactions in his first year.Mike breaks down how he built momentum fast (including cold calling while still taking pre-licensing classes), why mentorship and office culture mattered, and how he learned to manage the emotional ups and downs that come with commission-only income—and clients making one of the biggest decisions of their lives.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Mike balanced online licensing classes with daily prospectingWhy he focused on sellers and deal-finding first (before shifting into buyers)How to build credibility when you’re brand new (“fake it ‘til you make it,” the right way)The emotional side of real estate (for you and your clients) and how to stay steadyWhat to look for in a mentor—and why “hand-holding” can slow your growthPractical time management: how tracking time in 15-minute blocks improved efficiencyA rookie mistake that became a major lesson in professionalism with other agentsIf you’re newly licensed (or thinking about getting licensed), this one is packed with real talk and actionable takeaways.Subscribe for more rookie success stories, early lessons, and strategies you can actually use.Connect with Mike: https://www.reafcorealestate.com/team/michael-paoluccihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-paolucci-1168812aa/https://www.instagram.com/614realtor_mike/
Transcribe →Grief, Divorce, and a New Career: Angela Vega’s Story
Mar 800:36:08Tap to summarizeWhat does it look like to start real estate in the middle of major life change—and still have a breakout first year?In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, host Tina Lapp sits down with Angela Vega, a Realtor serving Phoenix and Scottsdale with My Home Group. Angela shares how her path into real estate began through running a family business that supported individuals with developmental disabilities—work that required buying and selling properties and sparked a real passion for the industry.Angela opens up about the personal turning point that pushed her to go all-in, how she powered through an intense in-person licensing course, and the mindset shift that helped her ignore the “the market is terrible” noise. From joining a high-expectation team (and closing fast) to building a business fueled by referrals, open houses, and genuine community connection—Angela breaks down what actually moved the needle.In this episode, you’ll hear:How Angela went from running a family business to launching a real estate careerWhy mindset and discipline mattered most during grief and major life transitionsWhat a high-performance team environment taught her (and when she went independent)Her open house strategy (including door-knocking + neighborhood research)How she built a business without relying heavily on paid marketingHow she found balance after an “all-in” first yearWhy having the right broker + lender partners is everything as a new agentHow to Connect with Angela:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angela.vida.vega/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotluxhomes/reels/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidavega/
Transcribe →From Healthcare to Real Estate (and a New Baby): Michelle Cheng’s First-Year Success
Mar 100:39:34Tap to summarizeWhat does it really take to break into real estate when you’re new to the area, switching careers, and navigating big life changes at the same time?In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, host Tina Labbe sits down with Michelle Cheng, a RE/MAX Journey agent in Rutherford County, Western North Carolina, to talk about her leap from healthcare into real estate—and what helped her start gaining momentum.Michelle shares what the licensing process looked like in North Carolina (pre-licensing + post-licensing), how she built credibility as a newer agent, and why switching brokerages was a turning point for getting the support and guidance she needed. She also breaks down practical lead-gen that worked early on—sphere of influence, community involvement, open houses, and consistent social media—plus how she stayed positive through delays, uncertainty, and real-life curveballs (including becoming a new mom).In this episode, you’ll hear:Why Michelle left healthcare and chose real estateWhat surprised her most about the first year (and what she wishes she knew sooner)How open houses helped her build confidence + conversationsHow she uses community involvement and social content to stay top-of-mindA memorable “first showing” story (GPS + lockbox chaos…and a happy ending)Real talk on time management as a working momHer 5-year goals: growth, additional licensing, designations, and giving backIf you enjoyed the episode, like, subscribe, and drop your biggest takeaway in the comments. Know a new agent with a big first win? Share your guest recommendation with the show.How to Connect with Michelle:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556421461175Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.cheng.realtor?igsh=Yjd4YXB5YmwyaXdsWebsite: https://www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/michelle-cheng-rutherfordton-nc/102329273
Transcribe →From Classics Teacher to NYC Realtor: Victoria Mackay’s First Deals + Rookie Lessons
Feb 1500:40:21Tap to summarizeVictoria Mackay went from teaching Latin and Ancient Greek in London to launching a real estate career in New York City—and she did it with intention, strategy, and a whole lot of resilience.In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, Victoria shares how she made the leap to NYC, earned her license while still teaching overseas, and built credibility fast by joining the right team. We talk through what her first year really looked like (including the long wait from contract to closing), how she approaches first-time buyers with a “teacher mindset,” and why patience matters more than people think in the early days.You’ll also hear some real-world deal stories—including bidding-war heartbreak, landmarked window surprises, and a closing-day situation that turned into total chaos (no keys… and the seller hadn’t moved out).If you’re newly licensed (or thinking about getting licensed), this one is packed with practical perspective and rookie-tested lessons you can apply immediately.In this episode, we cover:Making a career pivot and moving to NYC with a planGetting licensed from abroad + finding the right brokerage/teamBuilding credibility when you’re new to the marketWhy patience + pipeline-building are everything in year oneOpen houses by appointment (and what works in NYC)Navigating stressful deals and knowing when to ask for helpStaying intentional with follow-up without being “salesy”Advice for new agents: “be a sponge” and keep learningDrop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway—or your biggest question as a new agent?Social media profiles:LinkedIn: Victoria Mackay (Brown Harris Stevens)Instagram (listed on her LinkedIn profile): @victoria.a.mackayBrokerage profile: Brown Harris Stevens agent page
Transcribe →The Real Estate Hustle That Pays Off: Dawsen Harbison’s First Wins + Lessons
Feb 800:35:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, host Tina Lapp sits down with Dawsen Harbison, an Oklahoma REALTOR® with Capital Real Estate and Asset Management Group, to talk about what it really takes to win early in real estate.Dawsen shares how she transitioned from a decade in healthcare account management after major life changes—and why real estate became the path forward. She breaks down how she earned her license fast, landed her first closing within a couple months, and built momentum through networking, open houses, consistent follow-up, and getting visible in her community.You’ll also hear Dawsen’s rookie-year lessons on:Picking the right brokerage (and doing your due diligence)Why savings + a support system matter in year oneHow she markets herself as a new agent (and stands out)Real-life stories from investment property walks that prove “anything can happen”The habits and mindset shifts that helped her keep going when things got toughIf you’re newly licensed (or thinking about becoming an agent), this one is packed with practical advice and motivation to keep moving—even on the hard days.Subscribe for more real conversations with new agents who are building real careers from the ground up.Links & resources mentioned:Website: Dawsen Harbison | dawsen.realtorTikTok: Dawsen Harbison (@dawsen.rae)Books: Atomic Habits, Ninja Selling, and “Let Them” theory (as referenced in the episode)Contact / referralsHave a great guest recommendation? Email: UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com or fill out this form to apply: https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish
Transcribe →From Start-Up Struggles to Real Estate Momentum | Conor Hix’s First Commission Journey
Jan 400:29:42Tap to summarizeWhat does it really take to break into real estate, find your footing, and land your first deal — even when the market is competitive and every transaction matters?In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, we sit down with Conor Hix, REALTOR® with Cutler Real Estate serving Columbus & Grove City, Ohio. Conor shares how he navigated the early ups and downs of launching his real estate career, built confidence working with buyers and sellers, and leaned into his strengths to grow his business.You’ll learn:✔️ How Conor prepared for, and ultimately closed, his first commission✔️ Why perseverance and refining your process matters in the early months✔️ How client communication and follow-through become major differentiators✔️ Tips for new agents on gaining traction in local marketsThis episode is packed with honest insight, real-world lessons, and actionable takeaways for rookie agents and anyone stepping into real estate for the first time.Chapters:00:00 — Welcome to Unlocking Real Estate00:40 — Meet Conor Hix — Cutler Real Estate02:00 — Real estate beginnings & motivation04:30 — Getting licensed & learning the tools07:00 — Landing the first client09:30 — Client communication strategies11:45 — Challenges in the early pipeline14:00 — Momentum & building confidence16:30 — Advice for new agents18:00 — Where to connect with ConorConnect with Conor Hix:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conor-hix-760206295/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conor.hix21/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conor.hix | https://www.facebook.com/taylorteamSOLD✨ Want to be featured on My First Commission?We’re always looking for inspiring rookie agents!📧 Email us at UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com or fill out this form (https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish) to apply.
Transcribe →How Lauren Morelli Turned Perseverance Into a Real Estate Career
Dec 2800:34:45Tap to summarizeWhat does it look like to enter real estate during a shifting market — while balancing work, family, and the pressure of securing your very first client?Meet Lauren Morelli, whose determination, positivity, and people-first mindset helped her break into the industry and build real momentum early on.In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, Lauren shares how she:Found her footing after getting licensedStayed committed through challenges and uncertaintyLeaned on mentorship, training, and relationships to build confidenceLanded her first client and learned the lessons that shaped her careerApproaches business today with authenticity and long-term visionHer transparency, work ethic, and commitment to growth make this a must-listen for any aspiring or early-career agent.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Welcome to Unlocking Real Estate00:40 Meet Lauren Morelli02:00 Life before real estate03:30 Why she chose real estate as a career05:00 Getting licensed & entering a shifting market07:00 Finding her first client09:30 Challenges, lessons & early wins12:00 Building confidence through mentorship14:00 Developing her business approach16:00 Advice for new agents18:00 Where to connect with Lauren🔗 Connect with Lauren Morelli:https://www.laurenmorelli.comhttps://www.bhhs.com/california-properties-ca301/santa-monica/lauren-morellihttps://www.tiktok.com/ @laurenmorelli9186 https://www.instagram.com/laurenmorellihttps://www.facebook.com/LaurenMorelliRE/✨ Want to be featured on My First Commission?We’re always looking for inspiring rookie agents!📧 Email us at UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com or fill out this form (https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish) to apply.
Transcribe →From Radio to Real Estate: How John Hodorovych Saved His First Deal and Found His Niche
Dec 2100:42:40Tap to summarizeWhat do radio production and real estate have in common? According to John Hodorovych, everything.In this episode of Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission, John shares how he left a 13-year career in radio during the Great Resignation and rebuilt his professional life from the ground up as a Realtor® with Keller Williams Metropolitan in New Jersey.John walks us through:Why leaving corporate radio pushed him toward entrepreneurshipHow producing radio shows prepared him to “produce” real estate transactionsCompleting his real estate education in just 10 daysChoosing the right brokerage based on culture, training, and supportSpending six months in learning mode before landing his first closingSaving a complicated multifamily investment deal as a brand-new agentStanding up for his client when a lender nearly derailed the transactionWhy his superpower has become saving deals others might loseThis episode is packed with real-world lessons on patience, preparation, client advocacy, and why surrounding yourself with the right people early in your career can make all the difference.If you’re a new agent wondering whether you’re “behind,” or someone considering a career pivot into real estate, John’s story will hit home.Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to Unlocking Real Estate00:45 – Meet John Hodorovych02:00 – 13 years in radio & the Great Resignation04:00 – Why real estate felt familiar05:05 – Getting licensed online in 10 days06:30 – Choosing Keller Williams Metropolitan08:00 – Culture, training & mentorship10:45 – Six months with no deals: learning mode vs panic12:30 – Joining a team & getting support14:00 – Hosting open houses & finding his first buyer16:00 – The multifamily deal that nearly fell apart18:30 – Standing up to a bad lender20:30 – Saving the transaction & closing the deal22:30 – Lessons from his first year in real estate25:00 – A million-dollar deal & growing confidence27:30 – Advice for new agents29:30 – Where to connect with JohnConnect with John Hodorovych:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnh_newjerseyrealtor/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoHoatKWMETLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hodorovych-51488930/Keller Williams Profile: https://kw.com/agent/john-hodorovych/2000006140Want to be featured on My First Commission?We’re always looking for rookie agents with real stories and real lessons.📧 Email UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com or fill out this form https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish to apply.
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