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With commission suits, rule changes and a slow-moving market, 2024 has been a challenging year for most, but facing adversity teaches us the tough lessons that lead to longevity in this business.
As you may know, here at Inman, we love to celebrate hard-working real estate pros — those boots-on-the-ground agents, who’re pounding pavement, having real conversations, and finding solutions.
We also love to learn how they got where they are, the wins they’ve celebrated and the a-ha moments they’ve had along the way. That’s why, since 2018, Inman has been sniffing out those real estate pros across the nation to ask them what they know now in our recurring column called Lesson Learned.
Here’s a look back at 24 top pros we highlighted in 2024.
It’s the little things, not the big things, that upend transactions
Troy Palmquist of eXp talks with bi-coastal broker and Inman contributor Cara Ameer about the lessons she’s learned and what she’d share with agents now.
Lesson Learned: Take care of your money, and it’ll take care of you
Find out how SERHANT. agent Marzena Wawrzaszek built her business from the ground up and how her childhood dreams combined to create a life by design.
Lesson Learned: Learn how to advocate for yourself
Find out what Rockette Realtor Jessie Crouch can teach you about standing up for yourself and your clients.
Lesson Learned: Joy comes at the closing table
Find out how dynamic real estate broker Dawn David creates deep down connections to create repeat and referral business with delighted clients.
Lesson Learned: Preparation and empathy create superior outcomes
Find out how Connecticut broker Elizabeth Altobelli draws on her youthful experience as a gymnast and a talent for befriending her clients to make the impossible possible — while building lifelong relationships along the way.
Lesson Learned: Invest in real estate for endless opportunity
Troy Palmquist talks with Eric Gedalje to find out how he went from bussing tables to investing in more than 20 properties.
Lesson Learned: Pay attention to family and friends as well as clients
As she begins her 47th year in real estate, find out how this former junior high school English teacher creates personal connections and manages a robust professional network.
Lesson Learned: Realtors are keepers of the American dream
Find out how this third-generation Realtor puts his background and love of the land to work for clients ranging from farmers to hunters to developers of therapy and religious retreats.
Lesson Learned: Continually seek opportunities for improvement
Canva | Peyton Lewis
Find out how Orlando-based Premier Sotheby’s International Realty agent and Miss Florida USA, Peyton Lewis, focuses on self-awareness, growth and goals to meet challenges head on.
Lesson Learned: Stay on top of the latest news in your market
Learn how NYC associate broker Maria Daou combines in-depth knowledge with personalized service to make a lasting impression on clients.
Lesson Learned: Follow your passions and never stop learning
Find out how New York City associate broker Bruce Henderson puts his background in design, marketing and show biz to work for his real estate clients.
Lesson Learned: Real estate needs patience, empathy, a listening ear
Find out how this Pacific Palisades luxury agent and new development expert has grown her career alongside the growth of her market.
Lesson Learned: You’ve gotta put the pedal to the metal
Learn how this New York City agent and vintage car enthusiast moved to the U.S. on her own at 17 and, through hard work and determination, built a life and a real estate career to be proud of.
Lesson Learned: What goes around comes around
Find out what Atlanta Realtor Nadine Lutz has learned about the wheel of life and how she serves clients with empathy and integrity.
Lesson Learned: This too shall pass
Find out how NYC agent Michelle Griffith puts a mentor’s wise advice to work as she navigates the ups and downs of the real estate industry.
Lesson Learned: Stay off the real estate rollercoaster
Find out what NYC associate broker Bill Kowalczuk has learned during his years in the business and what he’d be doing if he weren’t in real estate.
Lesson Learned: Cultivate trust and respect with competitors
Find out how NYC agent Andrea Saturno-Sanjana puts her unique skillset and global perspective to work in serving clients and connecting with colleagues.
Lesson Learned: There are always problems. Your job is to solve them
Honesty, transparency and a knack for problem-solving are the keys to Coldwell Banker agent Robert Robinson’s service-oriented approach to success.
Lesson Learned: Get rock solid on your pricing strategy
Learn how NYC agent Maggie Kent leverages her sense of professionalism to develop a higher level of client trust and how she has developed resilience to navigate the ever-changing world of real estate.
Lesson Learned: Don’t just talk the talk. Walk the walk
Find out how South Florida luxury Realtor Darin Tansey learned that there’s always a chance to make dreams come true in real estate.
Lesson Learned: Transparency is essential for long-term success
Find out how Miami agent Karine Carvalho brings a global perspective to her work with Miami-Dade County’s luxury clients and investors.
Lesson Learned: Success is about more than closing the deal
Find out how Miami luxury leader Lourdes Alatriste demonstrates grace under pressure while always keeping clients’ needs top of mind.
Lesson Learned: Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Find out how New York City real estate agent Andrea Wernick became a seller specialist and why she believes in the power of staging.
Lesson Learned: You’re 1 client away from changing your life
Find out team leader Leo Robles’ best advice, including the game-changing words of wisdom he passes along from his real estate mentors.
Do you want to be featured on an upcoming “Lesson Learned” column? Reach out to us here.
