Meet Alaysia Means of Alaysia Means Realty Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alaysia Means

Hi Alaysia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I was younger, I always found myself helping my family members find homes, even though I didn’t fully understand why I had such a strong interest in it. I just enjoyed the process and loved the idea of finding a place where people could build their lives. Little did I know that this interest would turn into a career.

I officially started my real estate journey right out of high school in 2017. I was lucky enough to work closely with my mentor, Toni Weaver, an experienced agent who also worked in property management. Toni showed me the ropes, and I had the opportunity to attend showings with her and even work on a few off-market deals. It was an eye-opening experience and gave me a real taste of the industry.

In 2018, I decided to take the next step and enrolled in real estate classes at Real Estate One while I was working at a call center. I’ll admit, I absolutely hated it. I have a hard time sitting still, so being stuck at a desk all day wasn’t for me. I would go straight to my classes in the evening after my shift.

Once I completed the course, I knew it was time to leave the call center behind. I started working in property management, which allowed me to get hands-on experience in the real estate field while I continued to work towards my license. Then, in December 2019, I passed my State Exam after the 3rd time and officially became a licensed real estate agent.

Now, here I am, continuing to build on the foundation I’ve established and excited to help others find their perfect homes and investment opportunities.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting in real estate was not without its challenges. One of the toughest parts was learning how to prospect and build a client base from scratch. As a rookie, I didn’t have an established network, and I quickly realized that real estate isn’t just about showing homes; it’s about cultivating relationships and constantly reaching out to new people. Prospecting was something I had to learn on the fly, and I made a lot of mistakes in the beginning. There were days when I felt discouraged, questioning whether my efforts were enough. But with time, persistence, and a willingness to learn from my mistakes, I began to find my stride.

Then, in 2020, just after I had received my real estate license, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Real estate was declared a non-essential service, and the market came to a halt. As a newly licensed agent, this felt like a huge setback. Everything I had been working towards was suddenly on pause, and the uncertainty of the situation was overwhelming. During those early months, I wasn’t sure what the future held, but I decided to stay focused on improving my skills. I used the downtime to learn virtual tools, study market trends, and stay connected with my network. I knew that when the market bounced back, I wanted to be ready.

At the same time, I was juggling a dual career—working in property management while also trying to establish myself as a real estate agent. Managing both jobs meant long hours, little downtime, and constant balancing. There were definitely moments where I felt stretched thin, but I kept my eye on the bigger picture. Working two jobs taught me time management, organization, and how to prioritize my commitments. It wasn’t easy, but I knew the hard work would eventually pay off.

Looking back, each of these struggles helped me grow as a real estate professional. The mistakes I made early on taught me valuable lessons about persistence, communication, and patience. The pandemic forced me to think creatively and adapt quickly to new ways of doing business. And juggling two careers helped me develop a strong work ethic and better time management skills. Today, I feel more confident in my abilities, and I’m grateful for the lessons these challenges taught me. They’ve shaped who I am as an agent and have made me even more committed to helping my clients achieve their real estate goals.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Alaysia Means Realty Group is a dedicated real estate team based in the Metro Detroit area, with a strong mission to help bridge the gap in homeownership within the Black community. Our team is committed to providing the resources, guidance, and expertise that individuals and families need to achieve their dream of homeownership, especially in communities where access to these opportunities has often been limited.

While we serve clients throughout the Metro Detroit area, my primary focus is on Detroit—the city where I was born and raised. Having grown up here, I have a unique understanding of the neighborhoods and the people who make this city so special. My deep connection to Detroit drives my passion for helping others navigate the real estate market and invest in their futures.

At Alaysia Means Realty Group, we offer personalized support for every client, whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property, or looking for an investment opportunity. We’re dedicated to helping you make informed decisions and achieve your real estate goals, while also empowering our community through the wealth-building potential of homeownership.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Building Up Our City: How We Can All Contribute to Detroit’s Growth
Detroit has always been a city of resilience and potential, and now more than ever, it’s time for all of us to take part in its revitalization. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re new to the area, every single person in our community has a role to play in helping build a stronger, more vibrant city. Here are some ways we can all get involved and start making a difference in the neighborhoods we call home:

Support Local Businesses: One of the most impactful ways to help our city thrive is by supporting the small businesses that make Detroit unique. Whether it’s a local restaurant, boutique, or service provider, spending money at locally-owned businesses helps keep wealth within our community and creates jobs. Look for opportunities to shop locally and spread the word about your favorite Detroit businesses to help them grow.

Invest in Your Property or Neighborhood: Homeownership is a key pillar of building wealth and stability in our communities. If you’re already a homeowner, consider making improvements to your property, whether it’s through simple home repairs or larger renovations. If you’re not yet a homeowner, take the time to learn about the benefits of owning property in Detroit, and take steps toward homeownership. By investing in your property, you’re directly contributing to the overall improvement of your neighborhood.

Get Involved in Community Organizations: Detroit is home to many nonprofit organizations and grassroots movements dedicated to uplifting our communities. Whether it’s a neighborhood association, a mentorship program, or a local environmental initiative, there are countless ways to get involved. Volunteer your time, skills, or even donate to causes that work to revitalize the city and support underserved communities.

Support Affordable Housing and Fair Development: We need to ensure that Detroit’s growth benefits everyone. By supporting affordable housing initiatives and advocating for equitable development in our city, we can help prevent displacement and ensure that all residents have access to safe, quality homes. Engage in community meetings, advocate for policies that support affordable housing, and become a voice for those who may not have the resources to speak up.

Take Pride in Your Neighborhood: Small acts of pride and care in your own neighborhood can have a big impact. Picking up trash, planting flowers, or participating in community clean-up days are all ways to show love for the place you live. When we take pride in our surroundings, it sends a message that we care about the future of our community and want to see it thrive. Organize or join neighborhood clean-up events, help maintain vacant lots, and encourage others to do the same.

Get Educated on Homeownership and Financial Literacy: A key part of building up Detroit’s neighborhoods is increasing access to homeownership and financial knowledge. Start by educating yourself and others in your community about the home-buying process, how to save for a down payment, and the importance of maintaining good credit. Attend local homeownership workshops, support financial literacy programs, and share this knowledge with others in your network to help more families become homeowners.

Be a Good Neighbor: Building a strong community starts with the people who live in it. Take the time to get to know your neighbors, help out when you can, and offer support to those in need. Whether it’s looking out for elderly residents, hosting neighborhood events, or simply offering a friendly hello, the more connected we are, the stronger our communities become. Strong relationships and mutual support are the foundation of thriving neighborhoods.

Advocate for Safe, Well-Serviced Neighborhoods: Safety, access to services, and good infrastructure are essential for building strong communities. Stay involved in local politics, attend town hall meetings, and voice your concerns about issues like road repairs, street lighting, public safety, and access to essential services. By being proactive in advocating for improvements in your neighborhood, you can help ensure that Detroit’s growth is sustainable and inclusive for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alaysiameans.exprealty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alaysia_janae/