Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a realtor? I always thought it would be fun to show people houses & help someone find their dream home. There is a lot more to it than that obviously but until I talked to Shayna Nadeau, I really had no idea what it takes to work in the real estate industry.
Shayna’s path to being a realtor is quite interesting & I’m so glad that she agreed to share her story. Please meet the latest Real Mom of the SFV – Shayna Nadeau!
(Image source: Shayna Nadeau)
How/why did you begin your business?
Shayna: I started working in the real estate industry since 2010. I worked with Bank of America Home Loans at their corporate center in Simi Valley. A little over 4 years later, BofA was performing massive laying offs and I got laid off. I anticipated that this would be happening (and I also didn’t enjoy working in the foreclosure department at BofA, especially during the recession – so depressing) so before I got laid off, I took my real estate license state test and passed on my first try.
Quickly after being laid off, I joined a local real estate brokerage and started my journey as a real estate agent.
Another reason why I began my career as a real estate agent is because I’ve always envisioned myself being a stay-at-home mom, but I also envisioned myself being a successful businessperson. And having bought my first condo in 2009 and loving every minute of it…to me being a real estate agent was a no-brainer.
As a working mom, what is one tip or piece of advice that you would give to other female entrepreneurs?
Shayna: The one tip or piece of advice that I would give other female entrepreneurs, especially working moms, is to not be so hard on yourself but to always keep your eyes on the prize!
I used to beat myself up some days because I would be so busy with the children and not have any time to “focus on work” or to “be productive.” I would second-guess myself, asking myself, “Is this the right business for me? For my family?!” Luckily, I have a supportive husband who would remind me that I have to allow myself to be flexible and that not all days will be the same while being a “work-from-home” mom. This concept didn’t sink in until a few months after I had my second child in May 2017. At that point I realized for my sanity, I need to just roll with the punches and know that business will come but my toddler children, who are going to be growing up right before my eyes, have to come first.
What do you like best about having a business in the San Fernando Valley?
Shayna: What I love about having a business in the San Fernando Valley is that although the Valley may seem big (about 30 miles from Calabasas to Glendale!), if you grew up here, you’ll come to find out that it’s actually small. So it’s nice to see, now that I’m an adult, some of my old schoolmates who have their own businesses and we all support each other!
If there was one thing you wish you knew before you began your business, what would that be?
Shayna: The one thing I wish I knew before I began my business was the costs of being an active real estate agent.
There are a lot of costs to hold an active license. Just that alone can make or break a person because if you’re not selling any homes, then you’re in the hole with having to pay dues, desk fees, MLS data access, association dues, Errors & Omissions insurance and marketing yourself.
What I like about Shayna’s story is her ability to pivot after being laid off. I’m sure we all know someone who has been laid off or perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself. Changing careers after a challenging experience is no easy feat & it’s a real testament to Shayna’s work ethic & perseverance.
If you are interested in hiring Shayna Nadeau as a realtor, check out her website here & don’t forget to follow Shayna on Facebook for the latest updates!
Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. The image shown in this post is used with permission. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.
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