4 experienced realtors share why they love their careers + offer tips for new agents

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Working in real estate is a career option that’s flexible, allows you to set your own schedule and helps you connect with new people around town. From freedom and opportunity to a longtime love for the industry, there are so many reasons to pursue the real estate path.

We spoke with four local agents at Ray & Poynor to learn more about their experience in real estate in The Magic City.

Meet the realtors

Judy Horton

Judy brings over 25 years of real estate expertise and personal attention to the table, so we had to know what her favorite memory in the industry is.

“One of my first sales 28 years ago was with friends that trusted me as a rookie. They still live in the same house, just with several renovations. It’s a charming house on Montevallo Road and it makes me smile every time I pass it.”

Judy Horton

Cal Sirkin

Cal got into real estate with a strong background in sales, marketing event planning and small business entrepreneurship. These skills have been super helpful in finding the perfect home for her clients.

“I love seeing my clients happy at the end of a transaction and developing strong relationships with my clients during the process. Buying or selling a home is a big deal! Being side by side with my clients during that journey is very special.”

Cal Sirkin

Leonard Gray

Leonard is a Selma, Alabama native that loves people, exercise, cooking and fitness. His exciting personality is perfect for the real estate biz.

“I genuinely have a care, concern and compassion for people. Having the opportunity to serve and love people is what keeps me going in this business.”

Leonard Gray

Rebecca Stump

Rebecca grew up in Mountain Brook and has loved Birmingham real estate since she can remember.

“I would ride to school with my parents when I was young and get home to our computer in the kitchen and Google an address to see how much the house was. I had an interest that never went away.”

Rebecca Stump 

Real estate is all about people + relationships

All across the board, the people and the relationships that are formed—from clients to coworkers—are what these agents love about their career.

“The most rewarding part of real estate is the relationships you form with your clients and our community. Our fellow agents, closing attorneys, lenders, title folks, etc. are a close knit group of friends.”

Judy Horton

PS—if you’re looking to buy or sell your home, you can trust the team at Ray & Poynor to guide you in the right direction.

Thinking of starting a career in real estate?

Real estate is an incredible career option because of the flexibility, the limitless opportunities and the ability to grow and shift with the market.Working at Ray & Poynor also provides a strong support system and the structure of a seasoned team to guide every employee.

Looking to start your real estate journey? Here are a few pieces of advice thes agents had to offer:

• Be sure to have a real estate presence on social media (start by sharing other listings, home decor tips, etc.).
• Evaluate your personal goals, finances and your ‘why’.
• Find a mentor to shadow.
• Pick a company like R&P that provides personal hands-on training.

“It takes time to establish yourself as a new agent. During that time, do anything and everything you can to educate yourself and experience everything real estate related.

Go look at houses that are on the market, go to open houses, attend closings with more established agents at your office, meet with a mortgage broker to get their perspective, read a home inspection report, learn the residential real estate sales contract backwards and forwards, go to your office every day and listen to the other agents. It’s amazing what you can learn.”

Cal Sirkin

Looking to start a career in real estate at Ray & Poynor? Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.

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