We recently connected with Esperanza Zavala-liles and have shared our conversation below.
Esperanza, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?
What’s appropriate?
It’s perfectly fine to ask for support, but it’s important to be clear about your intentions. For example, you might ask for referrals or let your friends and family know that you’re now a realtor and available to help with their real estate needs. The key is to ensure that the approach is friendly and non-pushy, and that you’re offering value—not just asking for business.
I think it’s also great to have an open conversation about what you do. Share information about the real estate market and trends in a way that’s educational, not salesy. This positions you as a resource, rather than just someone asking for their business.
What’s not appropriate?
Where you draw the line is when the requests become too frequent, or too forward. For example, constantly reminding friends and family to “think of you” every time they mention any real estate-related conversation can be overwhelming. People can sense when they’re being used solely as a means to an end, and that can cause discomfort.
A great rule of thumb is to never put pressure on family or friends to give you business. If they’re truly in need of a real estate agent, they’ll come to you. If not, respect their decision and continue nurturing that relationship without any hard feelings.
Stories and Anecdotes:
One personal story that comes to mind was when I started out in real estate. I had a close family member who seemed to hesitate when I offered my services, even though I knew they were planning to buy a home. After a couple of conversations, they told me they didn’t want to mix business and personal relationships, which I totally understood. It made me realize that while it’s great to offer help, it’s also important to respect boundaries.
On the other hand, I’ve had great experiences where friends or acquaintances referred me to others, and those referrals led to great working relationships. This taught me that being genuine and offering value without the pressure can lead to long-term success.
My Final Thought:
The most important takeaway is to approach this with humility and respect. Being clear about your business while being mindful of others’ comfort levels is key. When you offer value, and maintain a sense of professionalism, your network will appreciate you for it, whether or not they choose to work with you directly. And remember, real estate is ultimately about relationships—building strong, trust-based ones that stand the test of time.
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’m a real estate professional with a unique story and perspective. I’m visually impaired, but that hasn’t stopped me from pursuing my passion for real estate. In fact, it has only strengthened my resolve to succeed and to deliver exceptional service to my clients. I’ve spent 14 years working in the medical field, where I gained a deep appreciation for the importance of listening to and understanding people’s needs. But in 2023, I realized it was time to make a big change and finally pursue my childhood dream of becoming a real estate agent. Transitioning from a career in healthcare to real estate was not easy, but it was a decision that I’ve never looked back on.
I’m proud to say that my background in healthcare gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving and a deep sense of empathy—skills I now bring to my real estate work. I help my clients navigate the often-complex world of real estate, whether they are buying their first home, looking to sell, or investing in property. I focus on making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible, using my personal experience to guide clients through each step with care and attention to detail.
What I Offer:
I provide comprehensive real estate services, including assistance with buying, selling, and investing in properties. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs and goals. My services are built around honesty, integrity, and transparency, ensuring that every client is informed and confident in their decisions.
One of the things I pride myself on is my ability to offer personalized guidance throughout the entire real estate process. I understand that real estate transactions can be overwhelming, and I’m here to make that journey as smooth and informed as possible. From understanding market trends to negotiating the best deal, my goal is to make my clients’ dreams a reality, all while ensuring they feel supported and valued.
What Sets Me Apart:
What truly sets me apart from others is my unique combination of empathy, dedication, and a relentless drive to help my clients succeed. As a visually impaired individual, I have learned to adapt and find creative solutions to challenges, and I bring that innovative thinking to my work in real estate. I use technology and systems to streamline processes and ensure that I’m providing the best possible service, regardless of any limitations I might face.
I also deeply understand the value of building strong, trust-based relationships. My clients are not just transactions—they’re people I want to help achieve their goals and dreams. I’ve made it my mission to not only be a trusted real estate advisor but also a source of support and guidance, someone my clients can rely on throughout their entire real estate journey.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m most proud of the work I’ve done to break barriers and follow my passion, despite the challenges I face as a visually impaired individual. Transitioning from a 14-year career in the medical field to a real estate professional was a huge leap, but I’m proud that I’ve been able to do so while maintaining a high level of professionalism and commitment to my clients.
Additionally, I take great pride in the relationships I’ve built with my clients. The trust they place in me is something I never take for granted, and I am truly proud to have helped so many people find homes where they can create lasting memories.
What I Want Potential Clients to Know:
To anyone considering working with me, I want you to know that my commitment to your success is unwavering. I’m not just here to close deals—I’m here to ensure that you feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the entire real estate process. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, I approach every transaction with a deep sense of responsibility, always keeping your best interests in mind.
I believe in clear communication, in taking the time to listen to your needs, and in using my expertise to help you make the best decisions possible. My goal is to make your real estate experience one that’s smooth, stress-free, and ultimately rewarding.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy that has grown my clientele has been the power of networking and building meaningful relationships. Real estate is all about connections, and I’ve found that collaborating with others in the industry and beyond has been a key factor in expanding my reach and attracting new clients.
One of the first things I did when I transitioned into real estate was to connect with other realtors. It’s important to learn from others who have been in the industry longer and to build a network of professionals you can trust. Through these connections, I’ve been able to stay informed on market trends, gain insights into successful strategies, and even collaborate on opportunities that benefit my clients.
I’ve also made it a priority to form partnerships with contractors. As a realtor, it’s invaluable to have trusted professionals to recommend to clients, whether they need renovation work before selling or home inspections before buying. By working closely with contractors, I’ve been able to ensure my clients have access to reliable services that help them make informed decisions about their properties. This has led to referrals and repeat business as clients appreciate having a go-to network of service providers.
Additionally, I’ve collaborated with other small businesses in my community. Real estate is often about being part of a larger ecosystem, and by supporting local businesses, I’ve been able to grow my network while contributing to the success of others. Whether it’s working with local lenders, title companies, or even home decor shops, these collaborations have strengthened my visibility and allowed me to reach clients who might not have found me otherwise.
Finally, I’ve always believed in the power of networking as much as possible. Attending industry events, joining local real estate groups, and simply engaging with people in my community has been invaluable. By staying visible and approachable, I’ve been able to foster relationships that not only result in new clients but also in referrals. Word-of-mouth marketing has been incredibly effective for me, as satisfied clients continue to recommend my services to others.
In sum, building a strong network of connections, collaborating with trusted professionals, and making sure I’m always engaged in my local community have been the most effective strategies in growing my clientele. By working with others and focusing on relationships, I’ve been able to expand my business organically while providing valuable services to my clients.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
A story that really illustrates my resilience comes from my transition into the real estate industry, particularly when I made the decision to pursue my childhood dream despite my visual impairment.
After working in the medical field for 14 years, I realized in 2023 that it was time to make a change and go after what I’ve always wanted—becoming a real estate professional. The idea of stepping into a completely new industry was daunting, especially given the challenges I face as a visually impaired person. But I knew it was something I had to do.
When I first started in real estate, there were many obstacles. Not only did I have to learn the ins and outs of the market, but I also had to figure out how to navigate a profession that’s largely visual in nature, from reading documents to property showings. However, I didn’t let these challenges stop me. I leaned heavily on technology, using accessibility tools to ensure I could complete all the tasks I needed. I also partnered with colleagues and mentors who could offer guidance, and I made sure to always communicate openly with clients about how I operate, which allowed me to build trust early on.
One particular moment that really tested my resilience was during my first property showing. I had arranged everything—the marketing materials, the staging details, the meeting with the potential buyers. But when I arrived, I realized I had made a mistake with one of the key details of the listing. It was a moment where I could have panicked, but instead, I calmly reached out to my colleagues for support, communicated the issue to the buyers, and worked through it. I took responsibility and turned the situation into an opportunity to showcase my professionalism and problem-solving skills.
In the end, everything went smoothly, and that experience taught me a valuable lesson about resilience. It’s not just about pushing through adversity—it’s about staying calm, seeking support when needed, and finding creative solutions to problems. That mindset has carried me through many challenges since, whether they’ve been related to my disability or just the ups and downs of starting a new business.
Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. This journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties—it’s about embracing them, adapting, and continuing forward with confidence and determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://esperanzazavalaliles.exprealty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esperanza.z.realestate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Esperanza-Zavala-Real-Estate/100089456017650/
Image Credits
n/a