We were lucky to catch up with Alyssa Garrett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alyssa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Previously, I wanted to name my business after myself, Alyssa Garrett & Associates but as I started thinking long term I realized that yes, having a team or brokerage named after myself would be nice but it’s not about me. So one day, as I was speaking with my business coach we were discussing my goals & jokingly I said I wanted to operate my business like a prestigious university – and my coach responded by saying, like the Ivy Leagues? And from that conversation, Ivy League Realty Group was formed. The Ivy League Realty Group offers elevated buying and selling real estate experiences.

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

Six years ago I made a decision that has forever changed my life & it has been the best decision I’ve made to date and that was the decision to pursue a career in real estate. I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in real estate but after I graduated from Georgia State University, I found myself in corporate America for the next 10 years. It wasn’t until 2015, after I purchased my first home that I really decided to pursue real estate. That experience of buying my own home really motivated me because I wanted to do more than help buyers and sellers but I really wanted to educate them throughout the process. Real estate is an investment tool that is used to create wealth however, for many minorities this seems unattainable. That is because of the lack of knowledge and funding options so I want to bridge that gap.

As a Realtor, I assist clients with buying and selling real estate but it’s the relationships I build that sets me apart from others in this business. Creating an elevated real estate experience by being customer focused, solution base driven and knowledgeable has allowed me to help clients realize substantial profits and buyers purchase properties that will help create wealth for their families.

When someone decides to partner with me I want them to know that I’m their customer advocate, I will show up consistently for them and will educate them along the process and after. I am most proud when I’m able to assist that client who didn’t think they would ever be in a position to purchase or when I’m reviewing the estimated seller proceeds and now they are able to use the proceeds to fund other parts of their lives – I’m truly proud and honored each time a customer decides to partner with my team and I. If anyone is in the Metro Atlanta area looking for a partner that understands the hurdles of buying and selling real estate, will keep them top of mind and provide world class service – they should connect with me.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I think there’s a HUGE misconception about the financial responsibilities associated with operating your own Real Estate business. When I first got into the business, I will say I was clueless on some of the costs associated with doing business. I feel like real estate is one of the most “Pay to Play” industries yet, many are entering not realizing this. So when I first started, I was blessed to be working in a corporate accounting role so my 9-5 was investing in my business. I think entrepreneurship has been glamorized where people forget the leverage of a 9-5 can have in the early days of getting your business started. Those consistent paychecks can be the saving grace needed to really take your business to the next level until your business is operating at a level where it’s funding itself.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

Hands down, creating my “SOUFSIDE REALTOR” rap marketing video has to be one of my favorite marketing campaigns to date. So, my goal is to sell more homes on the South Side of Atlanta than any other agent in the business so, at the time I was discussing this with my social media team and Latto is a very known and popular Southside rapper that has a song, titled “Soufside” and I was like I need to remix this. And we immediately went into planning mode. Like seriously, this remix was going to be released like a full single. I mean we planned everything from being able to go to an actual recording studio and work with a top producer who has produced for well known artists such as 2Chainz and having my video shot by Lexi who has shot videos for artists such as Omertta. My first time at the studio I was so nervous because again, I’m a Realtor not a Rapper (or am I) but the energy was crazy and after a few practice rounds I laid the verse down and like the next week we shot the video and the feedback was amazing – and just like that “I’m the realist, realtor, boss from the south”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ivyleaguerealtygrp.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/alyssagarrettrealtor
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/alyssagarrettrealtor
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCkAfpip1ufoQV1VRdj0KUw