Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Talen Arce. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Talen, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
The biggest risk I took was getting my real estate license because it meant shifting my mindset and skills to adapt to a foreign career that I had no knowledge about while being unaware of the outcome. A friend of mine who’s a loan officer recommended that I consider becoming an agent when at the time I was working as a low-paid marketing director and late-night restless bartender. It wasn’t until the 2nd or 3rd time she mentioned it to me, saying my outgoing personality would work well in the industry, was when I decided to enroll in a self-taught online real estate class. While working on the 14th chapter out of 15, I decided to stop the course completely because I struggled to retain the information. Several months later when Florida began to lift the quarantine, the educational school reopened its in-person classes which I attended and took the entire course over from start to finish. I passed both the class and state exam on the first time within less than one and a half months.
I substituted my marketing job to focus on real estate since it was the least paying and least flexible versus the bartending gig. In my first year of real estate, I worked both that and bartending until I was fired in July and earned $34k in tips. This was the push needed to focus heavily on real estate and from that point on I made over $43k in real estate commission for the second half of that year as a new agent. Needless to say, I haven’t bartended in a while, however, the skills learned from the restaurant industry have definitely prepared me for real estate: paying attention to the needs of others, time management, efficiency, problem-solving, and the list goes on. And of course, I’m able to use my marketing experience to help my business.
Because I took this risk to change my career path, my life has started to become fulfilling. I work for myself, I have more time to myself, and I’m able to travel as I please without having to ask permission to do so. Most importantly, I’m helping people through the process of purchasing what could be the largest investment in their life. The gratitude that I receive from my clients is rewarding beyond measure and I wouldn’t change a thing!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Becoming a realtor was never a dream of mine. It wasn’t a career path that I envisioned for myself, however, it aligns well with my long-term goal which is financial freedom. At heart, I’m a creative who has been artistic throughout my entire life. From learning how to color as a child to working as a marketing director, art was and has always been my first language. I’m also and most importantly, a big kid who loves comedy. I believe having a playful, child-like behavior helps me connect with people authentically allowing space for trust and vulnerability to shine. I’m big on meaningful connections/encounters and I believe these qualities about me are what made my friend believe I’d be a great realtor. It’s that I’m not the cookie-cutter agent looking to make a check. I value people, helping them, interacting with them, and that’s what sets me apart. That, and also that I get the work done.
Getting into real estate was a scary decision to make. I’ve taken other leaps of faith before but all were creative endeavors. Real estate requires a lot of left brain activity and that has been a challenge for me, however, I seek challenges. I knew getting into this industry would require a lot of patience and handholding. Luckily, I’ve had an amazing support system to help guide me throughout this journey. I’m still a fairly new agent, however, I’ve accomplished a lot in my first year that many don’t and I am grateful for all experiences thus far and excited for what’s to come.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Authenticity. Being authentic has helped me build relationships easily throughout my life. I meet and know people wherever I go. I treat everyone the same no matter how much they’re worth and most importantly, I am myself and don’t change for others’ comfort. The way I communicate with friends is the same as me speaking with clients and co-workers. I’ve noticed being myself helps others be comfortable with who they are which allows them to be more open. I have the tendency, unintentionally, to have very deep conversations with people, even strangers, because I’ve been told there’s something about my energy that makes people want to confide in me. This is a magnificent feeling to know that I’m trusted even when one doesn’t know me well. It’s an honor and a privilege that has benefited me throughout life and my career. Be you and nothing else. It’ll take you far in the communities that value you.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
As a child, I grew up middle-class but in my teenage years, that title quickly dwindled away. I wasn’t educated on financial literacy and money management. My father had a lot of kids and valued us having jobs, didn’t matter what kind, and my mother became ill and eventually depended on government assistance. What I was taught were poor money habits that have carried over into my adult years. Getting into real estate, I had to broaden my relationship with money and understand how it works, especially now that I’m working with large amounts. This industry has taught me to unlearn the unhealthy connection I had with currency and take a different, beneficial approach to achieve my long-term goal of financial freedom.
Learning about finances meant I had to show an interest in it. I began to read books about taxes and budgeting. I learned how to invest in stocks and the importance of retirement plans. These things aren’t taught in many minority homes and especially not in schools located in minority neighborhoods so this required discipline and the desire to want more from my life. In real estate I’ve worked with people from all types of financial backgrounds which has helped me reflect on my own ultimately improving my personal circumstances. It’s been one hell of a journey but a great one at that.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @TalenArce and @RealtorNfriend
- Facebook: Talen Arce
- Other: TikTok: @RealtorNfriend