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Exploring Life & Business with JaiNessa Wilson, Realtor, of Bellabay Realty Tri-Counties

Today we’d like to introduce you to JaiNessa Wilson.  

Hi JaiNessa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story is a wild journey… Real Estate has been a part of my life since I was 7 years old and I never knew it would become a passion of mine many years later. Assisting my mother in her career as a Realtor/Broker, I learned so much about the industry and the ups and downs it entails. Being the super introvert that I’ve always been, I knew it would never be something I would be interested in doing in my life. I landed my first “adult job” at 19 years old in the banking industry. Working for one of the largest financial institutions in the world, I knew this would be my forever career. I continuously moved up within the company, learning and growing throughout my career. Things began to shift towards my 8th year in the company, I lost my passion for banking, I began to second guess my career path, and ultimately wanted to pivot my journey in the corporate world. Unknowingly, entrepreneurship was just around the corner for me, a career I never knew I would become so passionate about. My husband and I welcomed our daughter in 2018, after time away from work during my maternity leave, I had so much time to think and reevaluate my next steps for my future. I began applying to several different job openings a week, jobs that weren’t in my current field just to get away from the career path I’ve grown to dislike. It was the year 2019 that changed my entire life for the better. Vacationing is a serious hobby of mine, I truly enjoy exploring new cities and experiencing new cultures and destinations. Almost every year I vacation on my birthday as a small treat/gift to myself. February 2019, I shared with my branch manager that I had a vacation planned in March for my birthday, it was planned by my husband, so it was important for me to have that time off. Almost 10 years as an employee and having the most seniority in the branch, even over the branch manager, I was sure my vacation would be approved. Sadly, it was denied. Frustrated and overwhelmed by this decision, I tried to meet my manager halfway and shorten my time and also found someone to fill in for me in my absence. Still, I was denied. After a long discussion with my husband, realizing I’m simply no longer happy in this industry and knowing that I’ve reached a dead end within my journey here, I decided it was time to resign. After submitting my resignation, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders that has been there for many, many years. I finally felt free but didn’t know my next steps within my new life as “unemployed”., 

I enjoyed my birthday vacation and upon my return, I decided…maybe I’ll get my Real Estate license and see what I can do within that industry until I find somewhere else to work. It was truly important for me to begin a new journey that allowed me the ability to “help and educate others”. Fast forward to today, over 3 years of being a full-time Real Estate agent, I’m proud to say that I’ve found my passion. I purchased my first home at the age of 23 and also learned a ton from my previous career in banking. It has been my mission to educate future home buyers on the importance of homeownership while also providing a top-tier customer experience for buyers and sellers. As a Realtor, I truly enjoy the flexibility within my career, the ability to be my own boss, and the joy on my client’s faces at the closing table from reaching a goal in their own journey through Real Estate. Every transaction is different, no two days are the same, and this career is truly not for the faint at heart. But it’s a career that’s beyond rewarding. Each year my business continues to grow, my clients are happy with the white glove service I provide, and I plan to continuously take my business higher and higher each year. I’ve always stayed in my comfort zone and never really took ‘risks”. After leaving what I’ve known for many years and realizing what I’m capable of doing outside of my comfort zone, it changed me 1000% and now I lack fear of change and risks. It’s still shocking that I took that leap of faith and I’m here. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a realtor looks like a glamorous career and can be shocking to new agents who join the industry. My journey as realtor has been far from glamourous and smooth. I just knew once I became an agent, I would sell millions on millions each year starting year one, and thinking business would just pour into my lap and it would be an easy ride. In my first year, I didn’t make nearly as much as I imagined, luckily, I prepared myself financially prior to leaving my previous career. By the end of my first year, I simply chalked it up as a year of just learning the business and getting a first-hand experience of how transactions go, the paperwork, and what not to do. I came across several “clients”‘ who weren’t serious, weren’t ready, and some were trying to scam as well. I lost so much time, gas, patience, and motivation but it was a learning lesson that I often share with other new agents. My second year was even more trying, it was the beginning of the pandemic. I received my first big listing and didn’t realize the pandemic would snatch that right out of my hands shortly after listing. My seller became unsure of what the future held being in a pandemic and decided to remove her home from the market. With so many uncertainties, I had to pivot my business drastically to sustain the “new normal”. A ton of trial and error and even still to this day, but my business really shifted upward by 2021. A little over a year and a half of being in the business before I really saw the results of my efforts. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about JaiNessa Wilson, Realtor?
As a Realtor, I’m truly passionate and committed to serving my client’s Real Estate needs. From building relationships, guiding my clients with one of the biggest transactions of their life, and seeing each transaction to the end from start to finish. I come equipped to provide each client with the professionalism, knowledge, marketing, and negotiation skills needed to ensure the transaction falls in their favor. Real Estate can be very overwhelming and stressful but I’m committed to providing a seamless and stress-free process. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an investor, or looking to sell your home of 40+ years, I’m here to help and look forward to assisting you. 

I’m proud to have branded myself as a “Luxury Realtor”. For me, “Luxury” isn’t necessarily a price point or type of home. I define my luxury approach for my clients as a higher level of service, communication, and knowledge. I’m very well versed in relationship building and I believe that’s what sets me apart from the others. Yes, I’m technically in sales, but I do not run my business as a “sale-sy person” or with a sales approach. I’m more of a matchmaker, a trusted professional, and a guide. My overall mission is to simply “help”. 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have been blessed with the ability to have my mother as a mentor throughout my Real Estate journey. As a Real Estate Broker/Managing Broker with over 22+ years in the industry, she’s packed with knowledge and resources that has helped me succeed. In this industry, it’s PERTINENT to have a mentor and to also network to build your business. Finding a trusted mentor should start within your own brokerage, finding someone with more experience to bounce ideas off of or guide you during the early phases of this business. I pride myself on my large network within this industry. I have made several connections with lenders whom I often refer business to and vice versa, LinkedIn connections, and Facebook groups with other agents from all over the world. It’s very important to have connections with other Realtors within your state but also within other states as well for business referral purposes. I’ve also purchased several classes from top Realtors on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about their processes and what works best in the industry.

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