Why Should You Listen to Me?

If you’re considering a career in real estate, or you’ve already started and feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or unsure if you’re doing this “right” – you deserve guidance from someone who understands the full picture, not just one side of the business.

That’s where I come in.

I’m a licensed real estate agent in the Commonwealth of Virginia with more than 25 years in the commercial real estate industry and nearly a decade in residential real estate. Today, I serve as the Director of Career Development & Operations for a successful RE/MAX franchise in Northern Virginia with four offices and more than 135 high-performing agents (and growing).

I am part of the Executive Leadership Team, and my role touches nearly every stage of an agent’s journey — from “Should I even do this?” to “How do I build something sustainable?”

I Work With Agents Every Single Day

My favorite part of my job is onboarding new agents — and it’s about far more than paperwork. It’s an experience.

Whether an agent is brand new or highly experienced, I help them get fully set up with our brokerage and their business. That includes systems, expectations, compliance, licensing, and the realities of what it actually takes to succeed. I also manage company licensing and support our agents well beyond their first few weeks.

I don’t just see what agents hope this career will look like — I see what actually happens once the excitement fades and real business decisions begin.

I Chose to Get Licensed — Even Though I Didn’t Have To

I do not need a real estate license for my position. But I chose to get one anyway.

I studied intensely, passed the exam on my first attempt, and completed the entire process in about three months — intentionally putting myself through the same experience new agents face. I wanted firsthand understanding, not assumptions.

Today, I’m not actively selling. My license is in Referral Status, which allows me to stay connected to the industry, support agents, and earn some passive income — something I’ll be sharing more about as well.

Why This Blog Exists

I started Rookie RE Agent because there is so much information out there — and not all of it is honest, realistic, or helpful.

I don’t sugar-coat this career. That’s not who I am.

What I do offer is clear, straightforward guidance to help you make informed decisions before and after you get licensed. On this blog, I cover topics such as:

• Deciding whether real estate is the right career for you
• The true investment involved in becoming an agent
• How to approach studying for the exam
• What to do after you pass
• Questions to ask potential brokerages
• Common mistakes new agents make, and how to avoid them
• And much more

While I work for a RE/MAX brokerage, this blog is not about recruiting or promoting any specific company. I may reference things my brokerage does well when relevant, but only for context — never for solicitation.

A Few Important Disclaimers

Disclaimer #1: The thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the brokerage I am employed by. While my company supports my writing, the views shared here are mine alone.

Disclaimer #2: I cover national real estate topics, but I focus primarily on Virginia-specific information when it comes to licensing and state requirements. Always check your own state’s regulations. I do not provide legal advice. My experiences, opinions, and suggestions may not apply to everyone. Always refer to your instructors, official coursework, and governing bodies for clarification.

You may also see affiliate links on this site from time to time. I only recommend products and services I personally believe in and would use myself.

About the Book: Beyond the Sale

Everything I write about here ultimately led me to create my book, Beyond the Sale: Unlocking Your Full Potential as a New Real Estate Agent.

This book was written for new and early-career agents who want more than surface-level advice. It’s honest, practical, and grounded in what I see every day working alongside real agents — the wins, the struggles, the confusion, and the moments when many quietly wonder if they’re cut out for this business.

Beyond the Sale goes deeper than passing the exam or closing your first deal. It focuses on mindset, preparation, decision-making, habits, and building a foundation that can actually support a long-term, fulfilling career in real estate.

If you’re looking for clarity, encouragement, and straightforward guidance from someone who understands both the business side and the human side of this industry, this book was written for you.

You can learn more about the book — and find links to purchase — right here on the site.