How I Accidentally Became a Real Estate Agent and Sold 44 Homes in My First Year

It’s funny how life can take you in unexpected directions. For me, the journey into real estate wasn’t something I planned—it was something I stumbled into. Here’s how a simple desire to understand the rules of real estate led to me selling 44 homes in my very first year as an agent.

The First Step: A Personal Quest for Knowledge

Back in 2001, my former partner and I were ready to buy our first house. We were referred to a real estate agent who was incredibly efficient—he showed us 30 houses in one day, and by the end of that day, we were ready to make an offer. The experience was exhilarating and opened my eyes to the world of real estate.

A few years later, when we were ready for our next project, we hired another agent. This time, the experience was different—not as seamless, not as enjoyable. When we eventually sold the house we had purchased in Decatur, the experience with a third agent was even more challenging. I found myself wondering, “What are the rules? What are the laws? What are the ethical things to do in real estate?”

This curiosity led me to get my real estate license—not because I wanted to become an agent, but because I wanted to educate myself. I wanted to know what should and shouldn’t be done in real estate transactions. So, I got my license and immediately put it on inactive status. I didn’t plan to use it; I just wanted the knowledge.

The Turning Point: A Realization of Potential

A little while later, we were buying our third property, and again, we hired a real estate agent. During the process, the agent suggested that I use my license. At the time, I shrugged off the idea. I was working in advertising and marketing—a career I enjoyed and considered my “real” job.

But when it came time to sell that property, I had a thought: “I have this real estate license, it’s just sitting there inactive—why not use it?” I decided to find a broker who would allow me to activate my license and sell the house myself, primarily to save on commission.

The broker I found was incredibly supportive. He saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet recognized. He said, “I think you could be really good at this.” I wasn’t convinced at first. I wasn’t looking to change careers—I just wanted to save some money. But something shifted when I started working on selling that property. I realized that I made ten times more per hour as a real estate agent than I did as an investor-owner. The broker had been right—I was good at this.

The Leap: From “Real Job” to Real Estate

By the beginning of the year, I had made a decision that surprised even me: I was going to quit my full-time job in advertising and become a real estate agent. I approached the broker and said, “I think I can be really good at this.” He was on board but had one condition: I needed to sell at least four houses that year. If I sold any less, the cost of carrying me would be too high for the brokerage.

To help me reach this goal, the broker paired me with a one-on-one mentor. We met every week, and it quickly became clear that we were a great match. We thought alike, we complemented each other’s strengths, and we both had a passion for real estate.

A few months into our partnership, we decided to take the leap together—we left the brokerage and joined Keller Williams Realty. By the end of that first year, something incredible had happened. Instead of selling just four houses, we had sold 44.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back, I realize how unexpected this journey has been. What started as a quest for knowledge and a way to save money turned into a thriving career in real estate. The lesson here? Sometimes, the things we stumble into can reveal our true passions and lead us to success we never imagined.

Real estate wasn’t my plan, but it became my path. And I’m grateful for every step that led me here.

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or someone considering a career in real estate, remember that sometimes the best opportunities come from the most unexpected places. Stay curious, be open to new possibilities, and you might just find yourself on a journey you never anticipated.