We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bryanna Mendez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Bryanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of proceeds to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.
I donate 10% of everything I make in real estate to God’s house; specifically, Southwest Church located in Indian Wells, CA. I am a worship leader and volunteer at this church and it has changed mine and my family’s life. I want to pour into what has been poured into me.
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.
I am a firm believer in following God and his will for my life. I have always wanted to be a real estate agent, but the test was so difficult and I did not know it was obtainable. So, I kept putting it off. My family and friends spoke encouragement over me. My husband prayed for me. Then, I spontaneously decided to chase my dream and pursued it. I ended up completing real estate school in a matter of 3 months when it should have taken me 7 months to a year. I wanted it more than I wanted to breathe. When it came time for the exam, I promised God that if I get my real estate license that I would give 10% of everything I made……. I walked out of my exam in July of 2022 with an envelope in my hand. I thought I failed. And to my surprise, I opened the envelope, and I PASSED. Tears of joy followed.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My first deal was the best day ever and a true example of not giving up. I met my clients at an open house and happened to do a spontaneous showing at, what is now, their new home. They fell in love with the home and I immediately wrote up an offer for them. The other agent was difficult to work with initially, but now I know that it was more due to an age difference and professional differences as well. The offer was rejected. Here I am thinking in my head that I have the best offer out there (which I still believe to be true!) I felt defeated. My clients still wanted the home so I needed to take action. I wrote up another offer. Not only did I write the offer, but I messaged the agent directly and explained the situation and how badly my clients wanted this home. We worked together to convince the seller….. and it worked! The offer was accepted and I felt victorious. The best feeling in the world was calling my buyers and telling them that their offer was accepted and they were one step closer to their new home! I will never forget it.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Real estate comes with a lot of challenges, but I have a broker who has been there for me since I was a young girl. He has coached me and has never given up on me. Ever.
I endur a lot of battles in my life; a lot of it has to do with legal battles that are out of anyone’s control. But the reward is so worth it. I have raised my daughter (my bonus daughter) as my own since she was 5 years old. We have been through hell and back together, but with prayer, anything is possible. I am so proud of her strength through all of the trauma she has been through in her young life.
Balancing real estate and family life has been a challenge for me. I am just being honest. HOWEVER, it is a challenge that I accept and I would not change it for the world. Being a realtor is the best job on the planet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bryannamendezrealestate.com
- Instagram: @bryannatherealtor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bryanna-Mendez/pfbid0Sjycmfm5GRdLzxPML3HdpAQBB49tyZWjuftTwDGAAppPyUMW82wnjDcvBwdCTiKel/
- Other: Personal Instagram: @itsbryannaczarny
Image Credits
Bryanna Mendez, Dan Green, Warner Czarny