We recently connected with Marzena Castillo and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marzena, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

To be successful in my opinion is to never give up. Success doesn’t have to be “materialistic”. It is the feeling of self-confidence, comfort, and self-belief.
A lot of people quit too soon before the magic happens. Just like the New Year commitments. After a few weeks in a gym or healthy lifestyle, people quit because they don’t see results.

I came to the USA knowing basic English. It was not easy to find a job. And some of my friends suggested I should work in the Polish neighborhoods of Chicago. I never considered even this option because I knew if I worked in a Polish restaurant or store, I would never learn English.

Success is self-discipline, it’s repeating the same routines over and over until you see it works.
In real estate, success does not come right away. Like in fitness, you have to show up every day and do the job. Being professional, responsible, and easy to talk to are my biggest attributes. I love my job, meeting people and helping them with their real estate needs. The feeling of selling a home for your seller for top dollar OR buying a home for my buyers for the best deal makes me extremely happy.
It’s a success with each family one at a time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I came from Poland in 2003. Since I was a little girl I was always dreaming about living in the USA. After I graduated my University I came to Chicago for 3 weeks and stayed. Never regretted this decision, all I wanted was to fit in and make a good life here.
I worked at a few restaurants, did taxes for H&R Block, and was a fitness trainer. My obsession with fitness started when I was in 3rd grade playing volleyball and later working out with Cindy Crawford VCR…I taught a lot of classes in Chicago western suburbs small gyms. I loved it but I was getting burnt out.
I knew I didn’t want a sitting job and having moved a few times made me realize that becoming a real estate agent would not be bad. I took the course and joined a brokerage.
The Realtor job is so much more than most of the population even realize it is. We don’t only open the doors and write offers. There is a full business behind the closed door to even get clients to trust you, to stay with you, and to refer you.

Almost 5 years later, I am having my best year. It took time, but I see the results pretty much every day. People refer me, and recognize me from social media real estate posts I do a few times a week.
The biggest win in my industry is to see the happiness of my clients when the deal is closed.

I believe we have to be authentic in anything we do. I am a very active person on social media, and I want to connect with people who will like me for who I am.
I start my day with exercising, It is a routine I am so grateful I can do. I believe I have to be healthy to be the best mom and the best realtor. When my body is healthy, everything else will follow. Healthy body, healthy mind.

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

The best source for me to get new clients is an open house. I truly enjoy hosting open houses, learning about people who come and show them my value. Some open houses are busier than others but with the right attitude and knowledge, I managed to stay in touch with a lot of buyers. Some people come to the open house just to see, like window shoppers. Then there the ones who know they want to buy but they are not ready, and of course, we have people who come who are serious about buying. Having a conversation and learning about people’s needs is very crucial in this business. When people see you care and remember what they told you, it’s a game changer.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

No matter what people think of me, I know I have to show up and do my thing. Consistency is the key. Being yourself is a key. Consistent market search and reachouts are super important. With any new home that comes on the market, I always think which of my clients would consider it.
I care about my clients and never treat it as a transaction. I am always patient with buyers and very transparent with my sellers. I work hard and I always find time for my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marzenacastillo.bairdwarner.com/
• Instagram: marzena_castillo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcastilloBW/
• Linkedin: Marzena Castillo