We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Megan Walters a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Megan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
When I was just 22 years old, I found myself buried in over $80,000 of college debt and unsure about my future. I knew I needed to make a change, and so I took a leap of faith and started a commission-only business in the real estate industry.
It wasn’t easy. To make ends meet, I took on odd jobs like delivering bagels at 4 am for just $25 a day. Meanwhile, my husband and I started a coffee business on the side, which only added to the challenges we faced.
But I was determined to succeed. I worked tirelessly, putting in long hours and keeping my head down. And slowly but surely, my efforts paid off. Today, my husband and I are the leaders of a nationally-ranked real estate team, having successfully navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship and come out on top.
Looking back, I’m so glad I took that risk. It was scary and uncertain, but it was also necessary to achieve the success I enjoy today. If I could offer one piece of advice to others thinking about taking a risk, it would be to stay focused, work hard, and keep pushing forward. The payoff may not come overnight, but with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.
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 never thought that I would end up in the real estate industry, but sometimes life has a funny way of leading you down unexpected paths. It all started when I failed the mortgage exam three times by just one point. Despite the setbacks, I was determined to succeed and decided to take a leap of faith by taking the real estate exam instead.
To my surprise, I passed the real estate exam on my first try. It was a risk, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I hit the ground running and worked tirelessly to grow a team that would eventually become one of the top real estate teams in the mid Missouri area. We quickly gained a reputation for our forward-thinking problem-solving skills, innovative marketing strategies, and dedication to education.
We never settle for just being a “sign in the yard” real estate team. We strive to go above and beyond for all of our clients, offering them personalized attention and a level of care that is often hard to find in the industry. It’s not just about closing a deal for us; it’s about building relationships that last beyond the transaction.
Over the years, we have been fortunate enough to receive national awards from the National Association of Realtors and be named as a local 20 Under 40 emerging entrepreneurs. But what we’re most proud of is the impact we have on our community and clients. We see our clients as more than just business transactions; we see them as friends and family. We stay in touch with them long after the sale is over, offering support and help whenever and wherever we can.
It’s been a wild and exciting ride, and I can’t wait to see where the future takes us. But no matter where we go or what we do, one thing will always remain the same: our commitment to our clients and community.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I remember the day I decided to start The Walters Team, eXp Realty. I was only 22 years old, fresh out of college, and drowning in $80,000 of student debt. On top of that, my husband and I were starting a coffee roastery, which meant we had no money to spare. We had to deliver bagels and take side jobs just to make ends meet.
Starting a real estate team was a daunting task, especially at my age. Clients would often look at me and see a young, inexperienced girl who didn’t know what she was doing. It was a stigma that I had to fight against every day. But I was blessed to have mentors who took me under their wing and showed me the ropes.
Every opportunity I was given to learn or grow, I took it. I knew that if I didn’t gain confidence, no one would trust me with the largest purchase of their life. So, I stood up tall, changed my college girl look, and made a point to show that I belonged in the room.
I didn’t shy away from shaking hands with the most successful people in the business. And when people asked me, “How old are you?” I started answering, “Old enough to help you buy or sell a home.” I used my age to my advantage instead of letting it become a crutch.
It wasn’t easy, but I persevered. By the time I was 29 years old, I had helped over 350 clients buy and sell homes. Now, I am proud to tell people my age because it is an accomplishment to achieve what we have before the age of 30.
Looking back, I realize that resilience was key to my success. I had to push through the obstacles and challenges that came my way. But with the help of my mentors, the support of my husband, and the determination to prove myself, I was able to overcome the stigma of my age and make a name for myself in the real estate industry.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
During COVID, I had to pivot in my job as a real estate agent. As a new business owner, I didn’t have the luxury of sitting on the sidelines while everyone else was scared to get out and show houses or meet with clients. Instead, I had to get creative in finding ways to show houses that made my clients feel safe but still allowed them to achieve their goals.
One of the strategies I employed was creating detailed videos and virtual tours of listings, which clients could access by scanning a QR code. For buyers who wanted to view properties in person, I customized plans based on their comfort level. For those who were high-risk or preferred to minimize contact, we did FaceTime tours.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, many people in our area still had to move houses, and I knew that stopping work was not an option. So, we continued to take part in the market share and even gained new clients because of our flexibility and willingness to adapt to the circumstances.
When it was appropriate, we also held open houses with a strict 2 in 2 out rule and required masks and other safety measures. It was challenging, but we found ways to get creative and make the most of the situation. Ultimately, our efforts paid off, and we were able to help our clients find their dream homes while keeping everyone safe.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://waltersteamrealty.com/
- Instagram: @meganwalters
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganwaltersrealtor
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganmeierwalters/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_MfbeNF8-QrkoylcsQS6lg
Image Credits
Catherine Rhodes Photography