Paige Peterson
In this Monday column, Christy Murdock Edgar asks agents across the nation to share the lessons they’ve learned during their time in the industry.
While most children were drawing houses with two windows, a door and a chimney, 8-year-old Paige Peterson was drawing floor plans for her dream house.
No wonder she ended up working in real estate, first as an assistant to a high-end real estate investor on the West Coast and then as a Realtor in sunny Destin, Florida.
Great instincts make her a trusted adviser for both buyers and sellers. Find out how she learned to listen to herself as well.
How long have you been in the business?
I have been in the business since 2013. I have always loved the real estate business and decided I would get my license to help others find the perfect home or investment, a world I was familiar with from working with a real estate investor.
I thought that my experience would prove useful as a Realtor. My family was very supportive and honestly wondered why I didn’t do it sooner!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself as a top producer and trusted adviser in my area. I achieved Gold Status last year and plan to achieve Emerald Elite status within the next five years.
What’s one big lesson you’ve learned in real estate?
One big lesson I have learned is to trust my own knowledge, training and expertise when helping a customer. I am not an order-taker; I’m there to provide the guidance necessary to help them achieve their goals.
How did you learn it?
There have been a few instances when I knew immediately the perfect property for a customer and showed way too many other properties at their request only to end up back at the property I found for them.
It worked out fine as these customers are now like family, however, I have learned to trust my judgement to save time for my clients.
What advice would you give to new agents?
To new agents I would highly recommend utilizing your sphere.
Get out and about to make contact with potential customers. Almost everyone you meet will know of someone considering buying or selling, even if they aren’t themselves.
When I first started in real estate I was somewhat shy about giving out my business card or mentioning that I am a Realtor when in social situations, only to be told by some of my friends that they didn’t know (or remember) that I was a Realtor or they would have called me instead of another agent.
I quickly learned that almost every social outing can result in referrals.
Christy Murdock Edgar is a Realtor, freelance writer, coach, and consultant with Writing Real Estate. Follow Writing Real Estate on Facebook, Twitter or Instag
