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

Rachel , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new firm – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

Back in 2019, something big happened in my real estate journey. It was the time when I scored my very first “real” transaction, representing a buyer client I got through my previous broker, whom I had been with for 2.5 years. Sure, I had some experience dealing with tenants, landlords, and even helping family with their purchases, but this was a whole new ball game.

I’ll be honest, I had to fake it till I made it. I learned as I went along, and looking back, I could’ve used a bit more experience and mentorship to guide me through the nitty-gritty details and best practices. But here’s the kicker: my clients had no clue it was my first rodeo. I had this professional vibe going on, and they ended up being super grateful when I managed to negotiate an awesome deal in an incredible community.

From the overly proper phone calls I made to the listing agent to get our offer accepted, to the ridiculously generous closing gift I gave, that experience will stay with me forever. And let me tell you, seeing that first commission check of $6,000 as a legit real estate pro was mind-blowing. I never thought I’d reach that point, but there I was, exceeding my own expectations.

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.

My love for real estate began in my hometown of Redding, California. Growing up, my family built a significant real estate portfolio, and I was involved in various aspects such as property flipping, management, sales, and purchases. After graduating from high school, I moved back to Los Angeles and earned a degree from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Spending five years in the city, I decided to explore a career opportunity in Las Vegas, Nevada, which helped expand my social network and pave the way for my future in the real estate industry.

In 2018, I made the bold move to South Florida, specifically Delray Beach, where I decided to fully dedicate myself to pursuing a career in real estate. I now reside there with my three dogs, Louie, Chanel, and Papi. With my background and extensive knowledge in the real estate industry, I consider myself the ideal REALTOR® for the South Florida market. My eye for design, honed through years of flipping and renovating properties with my family, has become a point of pride and excellence. Clients often seek my advice for design consulting on their investment properties and personal homes, making me a one-stop shop for their needs.

One of my proudest achievements thus far is being part of a top-ranked team in Boca Raton. In this industry, it’s easy to be influenced and molded into something you’re not, especially as a young professional striving for success. However, I have remained true to myself from the beginning, earning the nickname “bandit” in social circles and on social media. I have never compromised my unique style or who I am. It’s crucial not to dim your shine or change who you are in this business. Your vibe attracts your tribe, and you won’t click with everyone. I take pride in my ability to relate to people from all walks of life, and my honesty and transparency have fostered long-lasting relationships with clients and fellow professionals who have become like family to me.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Establishing a social media presence can be quite challenging in today’s world, where everyone claims to be an “influencer.” For me, the journey began when Instagram was first launched, and I initially used it as a personal page while living in LA and Vegas, working in the music, entertainment, and hospitality industry. It was a fun and entertaining feed that showcased my experiences in these vibrant cities. Fortunately, I was able to gain a significant following, both locally and nationwide, as I constantly interacted with new people on a weekly basis. Little did I know that this would prove beneficial in my current career in real estate.

My most valuable advice is to maintain an authentic page where your core followers are and gradually transition it into a business/personal page. Constantly bombarding your audience with business-related posts can lead them to unfollow you. Instead, it’s crucial to strike a balance between personal and business content. On my page, I have found success by staying true to myself, creating entertaining and comedic reels, and sharing my hobbies and relatable experiences. By being genuine and authentic, I have been able to organically grow my social media presence.

Another important aspect is developing a unique brand or persona. In my case, it’s “the bandit” persona, which revolves around my consistent wearing of hats. People have associated me with hats, making it a memorable and recognizable aspect of my personal brand. This distinctiveness helps people remember and connect with me.

Ultimately, building a successful social media presence requires authenticity, a balance between personal and business content, and a unique brand or persona that resonates with your audience.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

This story is likely relatable to many realtors. We all go through the pre-licensing requirements and must pass the state licensing exam, which, in the case of Florida, can be quite challenging. During a significant transitional period in my life, as I moved from Vegas to Florida and dealt with a range of personal issues, I managed to complete a rigorous 63-hour real estate course in just five days. In the following months, I hopped from one job to another, struggling to make ends meet while also planning my relocation to a different part of South Florida.

I made my first attempt at the state licensing exam and failed miserably. It was a disheartening experience, and I couldn’t help but question if all the knowledge I had just acquired had vanished from my mind. A few weeks later, I tried again, only to face another failure. I attempted the exam for the third time, three weeks after my second attempt, but still couldn’t succeed. At this point, I was working as a bartender, earning a sufficient income, but I desperately wanted to leave the hospitality industry behind.

After taking a two-month break to study intensively, I made my fourth attempt at the exam, only to fail once more. I couldn’t believe it. I began to question if it was even worth it, as I struggled to retain the material despite countless hours of studying. Like many others, I experienced crippling test anxiety, which caused me to blank out in front of the computer screen during the exam. The testing facilities were far from comfortable, adding to the challenge.

I vividly remember spending two to three weeks relearning all the material, using flashcards, and taking practice tests. However, I failed one last time. It was a tough blow. But two weeks later, I finally passed the exam with a score of 85%. I could have used numerous excuses, such as relationship issues, adjusting to a new city, or losing my job. However, I refused to give up, and today, I stand as a testament to perseverance and determination.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rachsellsfl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realestbandit/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realestbandit

Image Credits
none, taken personally