We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Violeta Rocha. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Violeta below.

Violeta, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back at the decisions you made early in your career, particularly whether to join a firm or start your own, do you feel you made the right choice for that stage of your career?

When I first got my Real Estate License, I had to join a brokerage. The first license you get is as a sales associate, which requires you to hang your license with a Broker. When you are first license you will receive a ton of calls, texts and emails from different brokerages offering you interviews. I did interview with quite a few because it is very important that you find one that you feel is a good fit for you and aligns with your goals. Here are some important points to consider when you are trying to find the right brokerage:

1. Training and Support: Especially as a new agent, you’ll need solid training. Look for a brokerage that offers mentorship, resources, and ongoing training. Some offer structured onboarding programs, while others might have more hands-on mentorship.
2. Culture and Environment: The office environment and company culture matter. Find a brokerage where you feel comfortable, motivated, and supported. Some brokerages are more collaborative, while others might be more competitive.
3. Technology and Tools: In today’s real estate world, technology is key. Make sure the brokerage offers access to good CRM systems, marketing tools, listing platforms, and other technology to help you manage your business.
4. Leads and Marketing Support: Some brokerages provide leads, marketing materials, or even advertising budgets. It’s worth understanding how much you’ll need to generate on your own versus what the brokerage will provide.
5. Reputation and Network: A well-established brokerage with a strong reputation can help build your credibility and connect you to a larger network. Check how well-regarded the brokerage is in the industry and the local market.
6. Fees and Costs: Some brokerages charge desk fees, transaction fees, or have other hidden costs. Make sure you’re clear on all costs upfront so you’re not caught by surprise.
7. Opportunities for Growth: Think long-term. Does the brokerage offer opportunities for you to grow your business, take on leadership roles, or expand into new areas? Some firms may have career advancement programs, while others may not.
8. Location: The location of the brokerage is important for access to local markets and clients. Consider how convenient it is for you to meet clients, attend meetings, or even just commute to the office.

Looking back when I first interviewed and made my choice on the brokerage I joined, I do feel like I made the right choice, Lifestyle checked all my boxes on what I was looking for. I was able to grow and got the support and experience necessary to get my Brokers license. And they have always supported me in my path to success.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been in the real estate industry for seven years now, and like many people, I first joined for the flexibility. I wanted a way to earn additional income alongside my 9-5, with the ultimate goal of becoming my own boss. What I quickly realized, though, is that real estate is so much more than a flexible job—it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.

In my business, the center of everything I do is my clients. Whether it’s helping someone buy their first home, finding an investment property, selling their starter home for a bigger one, or even helping a business find the perfect commercial space, my goal is always the same: to help my clients achieve their real estate goals.

What I’m most proud of is knowing that I’ve made a positive impact. There’s nothing more fulfilling than using my knowledge and experience to guide clients through their real estate journey, helping them make informed decisions that align with their goals. Watching them reach those milestones—whether it’s buying a dream home, expanding their portfolio, or downsizing to something more manageable—is what keeps me motivated. Helping my clients is not just a job for me; it’s the heart of my business, and it’s what makes this career so rewarding.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A key lesson I had to unlearn in real estate is that it’s “easy.” When I first started, I had the idea that real estate was a simple, straightforward way to make money with a flexible schedule. While it can be flexible, it’s far from easy. The reality is, you get what you put into it. The work requires long hours, late nights, weekends, and constant hustle.

I quickly learned that flexibility doesn’t mean ease. It means having the freedom to set your own hours, but that often means working outside the typical 9-5 and staying dedicated to your clients and their needs. One of the biggest lessons has been mastering time management. It’s essential to juggle multiple clients, showings, paperwork, and negotiations while keeping everything organized and running smoothly.

Real estate has taught me that success is earned, and it’s not always about having the “easiest” schedule—it’s about putting in the effort, staying disciplined, and adapting to the demands of the job. It’s all worth it when you can look back and see the impact you’ve made in your clients’ lives, but it’s definitely not the “easy” path some might expect.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been in the real estate industry for 7 years now, and I can honestly say it hasn’t been an easy journey. There have been countless changes within the industry, and the market itself has seen its fair share of ups and downs. But what I’ve learned throughout all of this is that the most important thing is not giving up. Success in real estate, as in anything, requires consistent effort, resilience, and adaptability.

There have been times when I’ve wanted to throw in the towel, when the challenges felt overwhelming. But every time I’ve hit a rough patch, I’ve gone back to the basics. I’ve committed to learning something new, finding a different approach, and taking the necessary steps to move forward. Real estate is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with the latest trends, technology, and market shifts is crucial.

The ability to adapt, to pivot when needed, and to always be willing to go back to the drawing board is what separates those who succeed from those who give up. Sticking to your path, even when it feels tough, will always get you to the finish line. It’s all about perseverance and continuous improvement. The journey isn’t always smooth, but I’ve seen firsthand that with dedication and a commitment to learning, your goals are always within reach.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viopao
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VioletaRochaPA/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/violeta-rocha-26a18512a