Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shima Razipour. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Shima thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

After years of hoping to invest in Real Estate, I purchased my first home and have utilized it as a business- AIRBNB! It was scary, exciting, and fun at the same time. I always knew I wanted to buy a home, but opportunity seemed limited where I live. I realized my money in the bank did me no good, and I had to find a way to invest when and wherever I could. That is when I decided to look into Lake Havasu, AZ. The funny story is that I bought the house sight unseen- something I never recommend my own clients to ever do.

Shima, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born and raised in the South Bay (Los Angeles). I majored in Journalism and minored in Child Development. After graduating, I hoped to become a girl’s magazine journalist. However, I got an internship at a prestigious real estate magazine. My time there was short as I quickly realized I was not meant to have a 9-5 job. However, while there, I helped represent local agents selling multimillion-dollar listings. I wrote on behalf of them and managed their social media accounts. Soon after, I got a job as the Director of First Impressions at Keller Williams in Palos Verdes. Within a few weeks, I got my Real Estate license and joined The Kondo Group, where I have been since. I never thought I’d have a career in Real Estate. However, it makes sense! I have a passion of helping others and there’s no better way to help others than with one of the greatest financial choices they’ll make in their lifetime!

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

This is a fun story! While working my 9-5 job, I’d come home in the evenings, utilize my Journalism skills, and write on my personal real estate blog. I didn’t think anything of it. To my surprise, while working one day, I got a call from a prospective client. She said she had her home listed with another agent but wanted to interview me. I was so surprised and asked her how she heard about me. While googling tips on selling her home, she stumbled upon my website. Well, I wasn’t officially a practicing agent yet. I didn’t even have business cards as I worked my 9-5. So, I ran up to an agent named Tadashi Kondo, who had been kind and I admired from afar as he had a great team. I told him about the call and asked if he could go to the listing agent for us. Just like that… I got my first listing! Two weeks later, I resigned and jumped head-first into Real Estate!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most challenging lessons I continue to learn in this industry is to let go of expectations. Family and friends will use other agents. It will sting, but the reality is that sometimes strangers are your greatest support system and advocates. One of my loyal clients is someone I met at an Open House. I’ve helped them and their family buy and sell multiple properties. I have had people I’ve known all my life- friends, family, and even my best friends’ parents use other agents at no fault to me. You can be a peach, and not everyone likes peaches.

Contact Info:

• Website: sellwithshima.com; thekondogroup.com
• Instagram: sellwithshima, @bemyguest_havasu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sellwithshima
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shima-razipour-93953495/