We recently connected with Rachel LaMar and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
The first thing my parents did right was to adopt me! They gave me a beautiful life and I have always known I am blessed because of them. There are so many other things, but 2 come to mind that have helped in my education and career.
My mom taught me how important it is to treat others – with kindness, respect, transparency, and how to be a good listener. That lesson has remained with me my whole life, and in business it is most important. I would not have been successful today without this advice. My mom was a highly respected and very successful real estate agent – and it was obvious that she truly cared about her clients and those with whom she worked. I strive to replicate the way she made everyone feel valued.
From my father I learned the value of education, research and continuous learning. Like my dad I am an academic and a hard worker. I did well in school, went to college and earned my juris doctorate. Academic skills, learning to focus, problem solving and dedication have helped me grow my business as a real estate broker/owner, and combined with my education they give me a different perspective from other agents.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a real estate broker and own my own business, and I am also a licensed California attorney. I have been in the real estate industry since 2003 and prior to that I practiced law – including real estate law and general civil litigation. I had wanted to be a lawyer since I was 12, but after practicing for a few years I started a family and took some time off. When it was time to go back to work I wanted a job with a bit more flexibility, so I got my real estate license and things took off from there. Initially it was meant to be a temporary career move but I enjoyed it so much so here I am!
Prior to owning my own real estate company I worked for large corporate brokerages, the first online brokerage (where I became the top sales agent in San Diego County), and boutique agencies. Each experience taught me many lessons. In 2010 I took all that knowledge and experience and opened LaMar Real Estate. I have been blessed with amazing clients and work almost completely off of referrals. My clients include buyers (first time, experienced, and second/third home buyers), sellers, investors, flippers and a few commercial clients (although that is not my area of focus).
My legal background is a big plus for my clients, and many of them work with me because of it. Real estate sales involve legalities, and the majority of agents have not been trained as lawyers and thus do not fully understand legal documents nor the legal ramifications involved in entering into contracts, purchasing and selling real estate. I see so many errors made in this industry, and that is why there is so much litigation. I feel there is not enough training for agents and I have tried over the years to suggest licensing and training be made stricter, but to no avail. I was one of the first big real estate bloggers back in the early 2000s, and continue periodically to offer legal wisdom to buyers, sellers and agents through blogging, podcasts, TV, social media and other means.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
As mentioned I was working as a lawyer in the early 2000s and started a family. Law was very stressful so I decided to take some time off to be with my son, and later my daughter as well. Once she was in preschool I wanted to go back to work but I also wanted to be around to pick them up from school and help with homework. I thought real estate was the answer…little did I know it was actually a lot more work than law. I got into the industry at a great time and became busy quickly, and that continued to grow through the years. Real estate agents are like doctors – we are on call much of the time – nights, weekends…at least when building a business. So as the mother to two young children it was difficult at times, but I got through it. In retrospect I made a great decision to switch careers, and although so many people have asked – and continue to do so – why I don’t practice law any longer instead of working as a real estate agent, I feel that in a way I am practicing law every day by helping my clients (and oftentimes other agents) with real estate sales.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
I am proud to say that the best source of new clients for me is referrals from current clients. I have built up an amazing clientele over the last 19 years because my clients know I am dedicated, available and I can provide them with peace of mind because of my legal background. I have been blessed to work with such incredible people, and many have become my friends. I meet people at open houses and when I am out and about, and that is my second source of business generation. I also marketed my own neighborhood for many years (still do even though I moved) and that generated a lot of business within the neighborhood – I have sold the most homes in there compared to any other agent, and many clients from there have purchased with me outside the neighborhood – move up, scale down and investment properties..
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LaMarRealEstate.org
- Instagram: @realrachellamar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaMarRealEstate
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellamarjd/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelLaMar_JD
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBkhB6L7kwo-3YKJ-0_mLYQ
- Other: https://www.zillow.com/profile/RachelLaMarJD