Today we’d like to introduce you to Milli Cannata

Hi Milli, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

My journey in real estate began while I was working in a work-study program at a child daycare center during my time in community college. A friend who worked at a local bar introduced me to the owners, who also ran a mortgage company. In hindsight, the daycare setting wasn’t the place to fund my dreams of opening my own co-op to teach kids financial education. I persistently asked the bar owners to hire me at their mortgage company. After months of persistence, they finally gave me a chance as a personal assistant to the owner.

This opportunity plunged me feet-first into the world of real estate and mortgage loans. I spent the next ten years working in mortgage lending, initially as a loan originator and eventually as a senior loan processor. My career then took a significant turn when I became a certified housing and credit HUD counselor. In this role, I excelled at helping people prevent foreclosure on their homes and trained other counselors on the intricacies of mortgage modifications.

I was nationally recognized as one of the top counselors on the Homeowner Hope Hotline, but the intense pressure of the job eventually led to a serious neck injury that put me on disability for about a year. During my recovery, I continued my education and obtained my real estate license in 2015.

Transitioning into my role as a realtor, I faced three years of struggle before learning how to truly run my business. It was the quality coaching from my mentor, Lorna Hines, that transformed my approach. Since embracing this coaching, I have honed my marketing and negotiation skills, leading to sustained success.

Today, I am proud to have been repeatedly recognized nationally as one of the top agents in America. My dedication to helping clients achieve their real estate goals has been the cornerstone of my success.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Nothing is smooth when it comes to working in real estate. It’s a vast industry with many moving parts and diverse characters. As one of my mentors said, real estate is the best spiritual teacher. Many REALTORS struggle to just “get the business,” let alone learn how to conduct it effectively. Each home and client is different, which keeps life exciting, but also unpredictable. We never truly know what we are dealing with until we dive into the specifics of each situation.

Investigating clients’ goals and helping them make informed decisions about building wealth in real estate requires numerous considerations, which are challenging to learn unless you’re actively involved in transactions. The formal education is not as exciting as the hands-on experience, but as REALTORS, we are always cautious to protect our clients and ourselves from bad business practices.

Real estate is far from straightforward. Most people sell due to life changes like divorce, death, disability, or downsizing. However, there are joyous occasions too, such as a new baby or a new spouse, which come with their own complexities. Each property has its issues, and my job is to help buyers determine if it’s the right investment for them. One of the biggest challenges is getting the business, especially when external factors like rising interest rates and insurance costs come into play.

This job requires us to be out in the community, hands-on. Some days we are praised, and other days we are blamed, even though our goal is to help people make informed decisions to build wealth through real estate. The skills we learn in our courses never fully prepare us for real-life situations. However, this constant challenge makes the job exciting, and helping thousands of people makes us better advocates for consumers who might not know what could go wrong.

All in all, this isn’t an easy job, but helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership makes it all worth it. There’s always uncertainty about whether we will get paid, as REALTORS are unique in working for free until our clients find the home of their dreams.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I’m a trailblazer who fights for the underdogs. I thrive on teaching people how the “system” works so they can find their competitive edge. I encourage people to challenge themselves and pursue all the endeavors their hearts desire. My motto is “Own Your Dreams.”

I specialize in helping people invest in complex real estate transactions, particularly unique country property investments. I help clients realize how they can amass wealth through real estate. I advocate for those whom most REALTORS won’t even consider working with. I pride myself on taking on challenging properties and clients of all sorts.

I am not just a REALTOR; I am an entrepreneur. I have many ventures, including Own Your Dreams Academy, an IT consulting hub designed to help people unlock their potential and connect them with a network that supports their goals. Additionally, I am establishing a youth co-op to teach kids how to run their own sustainable businesses and gain financial education. These kids are also opening a local non-profit that will be franchised to assist various areas in teaching trades and providing tools.

I enjoy teaching skills that are not taught in traditional school settings. In collaboration with others on this after-school project, we also seek to teach them GarageBand, production, theater, and essentially anything their hearts desire. Our goal is to foster communities where people thrive doing what they enjoy for a living.

I am a testament to the belief that you can achieve anything you set your heart to. People are inspired by my continuous sharing of success tips. As my cup overflows, I choose to help others so that theirs can overflow as well, creating a chain reaction that lights up the world. When you do what you love, it doesn’t feel like work.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?

Finding a mentor and effective networking are crucial for personal and professional growth. Here’s what has worked well for me:

1. **Identify Your Goals:** Understand what you want to achieve and look for mentors who have already accomplished those goals. Knowing your direction helps in identifying the right people who can guide you.

2. **Leverage Your Existing Network:** Start with the people you already know. They might be able to introduce you to potential mentors or networking opportunities.

3. **Attend Industry Events:** Conferences, workshops, and seminars are excellent places to meet like-minded individuals and potential mentors. Be proactive in attending these events and engaging with attendees.

4. **Join Professional Organizations:** Becoming a member of professional groups or associations related to your field can provide access to a network of experienced professionals and potential mentors.

5. **Utilize Online Platforms:** LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking. Connect with professionals in your industry, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to people whose careers you admire.

6. **Offer Value:** When seeking a mentor, think about what you can offer them. It could be assistance with a project, sharing your expertise in a particular area, or simply showing genuine appreciation and enthusiasm for their work.

7. **Be Persistent and Patient:** Building a network and finding a mentor takes time. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen overnight. Keep reaching out, following up, and attending events.

8. **Seek Diverse Perspectives:** Don’t limit yourself to one mentor. Different mentors can offer varied insights and advice, enriching your learning experience.

What has worked well for me is a combination of persistence, genuine curiosity, and the willingness to step out of my comfort zone. By consistently seeking opportunities to learn and connect with others, I have built a strong network and found mentors who have significantly impacted my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.MilliCannata.com
• Other: Www.MilliCannata.com also has all links. I can upload them later.

Image Credits

In Her Image Photography