We caught up with the brilliant and insightful DeAngela Hudson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

DeAngela “Dee”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the early days of establishing your own firm. What can you share?

Whew, the early years were tough! I was working full-time in a 9-5 position while building my business brick by brick from 5-9. It took a lot of discipline, hard work, and faith that it would all pay off. Thankfully, as a REALTOR, I affiliate with a brokerage and they have a lot of systems already in place. The tough part was building my brand and establishing my company’s systems.

Running my business like a business is something that was always important to me and I wanted to make sure I got everything perfect. Looking back, I could’ve just gotten things done versus trying to strive for perfection.

A few of the steps I took were writing my business plan, filing articles of incorporation, opening a business bank account, and meeting with a logo designer. The hardest part of getting started was writing a business plan. Coming up with my mission was difficult–it is the foundation of my business after all! I also wanted to make sure I wrote out values that would guide my everyday actions within my business and how I interact with my clients, vendors, and other agents.

I really wanted to lay a solid foundation so I could last a long time in this industry where others come and go often.

DeAngela “Dee”, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am DeAngela “Dee” Scott, a real estate tycoon in Metro Atlanta. I started my company to help people, like you, build generational wealth through real estate. I started off as a part-time agent and never truly felt fulfilled only giving half my efforts. About a year later, I took the leap into being a full-time real estate professional. It’s the best decision I ever made!

I literally get paid to make dreams come true. If we’re being technical, my job is to solve problems that arise for my clients. Whether that’s helping them get into a position to buy a home, helping them prepare to list their home for sell, or making sure we reach the finish line once we’re under contract. One of the main traits that set me apart from an average agent is that I study the real estate market, thoroughly communicate, and have amazing problem solving skills. I approach my role as a real estate advisor, not your typical salesperson.

Lately, I’ve been discovering my “sweet spot”. I’m learning that when I am helping a client put together a strategy or negotiating on their behalf is when I feel the happiest. The real estate market has changed so much over the past few years and we can expect it to continue to change going forward. I pride myself on staying up to date with the latest trends and techniques to help my clients be successful in any market.

It brings me immense joy to hand someone the keys to their new home or hand over check with a life changing amount written out to my client. I am most proud of staying resilient and adapting quickly when things change.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I am so thankful for my past clients, friends, and family. They constantly refer their loved ones to me and because of them I continue to grow.

A referral truly is the highest compliment I can receive. When I get a call, text, or e-mail that someone wants my help because their neighbor or co-worker had nothing but amazing things to say about my business, it warms my heart.

I keep doing a great job and people keep spreading the word to their loved ones. I am grateful for how much my circle has supported my real estate business!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I truly started my business on a hope and a prayer. The costs associated with becoming a REALTOR are very low, the cost to maintain that status is not. We have business licenses, association dues, MLS dues, branding expenses, and a high cost of doing business–this is why so many agents don’t make it past their first 2 years.

I was working full-time when I first became licensed, so I knew every 2 weeks there would be more money coming in. I cut my budget drastically and saved every extra dollar I made, because I knew I’d need it once I went full-time. When the opportunity came for me to go full-time, I’d only sold 1 home, but I had saved a little less than 6 months of income.

Against all logic, I jumped in head first and swam as hard as possible by doing the next right thing over and over. I never expected a pandemic to hit months after I made this decision. I was terrified. No closings in sight and I was about half way through my savings. I knew I couldn’t give up though…

I kept doing the right things and success came when I least expected it. That time will always be a lesson for me because I know if I put in the work, the clients will come from expected and unexpected sources.

I guess the long and short of it is just have faith and work hard!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.deeismyhomegirl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deeismyhomegirl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deeismyhomegirl/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deeismyhomegirl/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2TiK_xMbbERm0JRk_aQz2w