Today we’d like to introduce you to Princess Blakely.
Hi Princess, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
During childhood it’s embedded into your head to make good grades, go to college, and major in a subject that interests you so you can have a career you desire. It didn’t quite work out that way for me. I graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington at the age of 22 with a degree in Broadcast Communications. I could not obtain employment in that field because I could not take advantage of the unpaid internships that help you get your foot in the door. At that time, I was a single mother to my two-year-old son, and working for free was not an option. I kissed my dreams of being a sports broadcaster goodbye and decided to remain in the healthcare industry and work my way up the corporate ladder.
Even after receiving two promotions, I felt unhappy and drained working a job that did not bring me joy or a sense of fulfillment. Some days I would pull into the employee parking lot and cry for 10-15 minutes before clocking in. I could not wait until 4 pm so I could rush to get my son, cook, shower, and watch HGTV. Even though some of the shows were staged, it was entertaining watching the real estate agents interact with different personalities, view gorgeous homes, and show off their negotiating skills. Seeing the smiles on the faces on their clients after closing on a home bought me joy. I realized real estate was something I wanted to master and pursue. My father introduced me to an agent that recommended several real estate schools but every time I enrolled in the courses, something prevented me from finishing.
I got married and gave birth to another son. Real estate was put on the back burner, so I could take care of home while my husband pursued his basketball career overseas. The marriage was extremely toxic as he put a strain on me emotionally and financially. The stress caused me to have a stroke leaving me paralyzed on my left side for three weeks. I got a divorce and decided to focus on real estate again. Shortly after, I received another promotion that I didn’t even apply for. I used the increase to buy a home for me and my boys. At this point, I felt I had a lot to lose, and going into real estate would be too risky. Three years later, I remarried and gained two bonus daughters. I had a home, family, and a career but a sense of sadness overwhelmed me every time I arrived at work. I prayed and asked God to give me a career that was purposeful and enjoyable but I had every excuse in the book not to do my part. God has a funny way of answering your prayers and forcing you to move your feet. A few months later…they laid me off! I was devastated and cried to my husband as I searched online for a new job in healthcare. My husband closed my laptop and said, “Didn’t you hate your job? Why not use this time to take your real estate courses?” Fear immediately overcame me because it had been eight years since I enrolled in my first course but I was determined to finally finish. I enrolled in the fast-track courses at Champions School of Real Estate and finished the courses in three weeks. I took the national and state exam and passed with flying colors the first time. Within two months, I closed my first deal and had a lead for my second one. Now, is it always that easy…absolutely not but when you decide to walk in your purpose things seem to fall in place. Like any business, I have had my rough patches but I always pulled through. In my first year, I received the “Rookie of the Year” award from my broker and the Multi-Million Dollar Producer Award every year afterward. In 2020, my business partner, Taura Turner and I started Chic N Clean Living & Designs, an interior design company that became a useful extension to my real estate business. I am thrilled to get the opportunity to help families obtain homeownership and develop financial literacy but most importantly, I get to see the smile on their faces after helping them reach their goals. Following your purpose is not for the weak. You will fail, you will doubt yourself and start over multiple times but never give up because anything worth having is definitely worth fighting for.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are bumps along the road when pursing any career. As for real estate, you will learn a lot of things through experience. The real estate courses do not teach you how to establish a client base, market yourself or write a contract. You are considered a self-employed contractor and you are responsible for finding your own clients, keeping up with your education requirements, and paying your real estate fees. It can cost anywhere from $1200-$2000 to maintain your real estate license in the state of Texas. You are also responsible for your own health care insurance, paying your taxes, and saving for your retirement. It is your due diligence to know the contracts and the laws. TREC regulates the rules for Texas agents, and failure to comply with those rules could cost you in fines, result in your brokerage getting sued by a client or cause you to lose your real estate license. Even though you have a broker, you are your own boss. You make your own schedule and have to produce clients from your sphere of influence, and that can be a little intimidating. All of this was a drastic change for me as I was a W2 employee most of my adult life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a real estate agent in partnership with Keller Williams Realty in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. For the last five years, I successfully assisted families in buying and selling properties. My goal is for my clients to fully understand the buying/selling process and develop financial literacy in order to build generational wealth.
My strategy to building a strong client base is being trustworthy, knowledgeable, and transparent at all times. I don’t treat every transaction the same. I’m known for helping clients who believe homeownership is not obtainable and selling homes quickly for the most profit. To date, I have not had a home on the market longer than five days. I’m also an interior designer so I’m able to create an atmosphere that draws in buyers. And I absolutely love my clients and building relationships. Most of them have become close friends. That makes my work even more rewarding.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
HGTV is definitely a facade. Many people go into real estate thinking it’s glamorous and easy money. Your courses do not teach you how to generate business, market yourself or write contracts, so the broker you partner with is very important. Choose a broker who is willing to provide you with training, mentorship, and the tools to help you build your brand. Build a circle of trustworthy counterparts that include the following: loan officers, credit repair specialists, contractors, surveyors, inspectors, and title companies. Have a least three of each. Remember, you are your own boss so setting a schedule and implementing a plan to grow your business is a must.
When I started out, I tried everything to generate my business and wasted money on unnecessary things. Find your niche and your target audience, and know that can change as the market shifts. Be consistent in your efforts, use your sphere of influence to get new clients, and most importantly, be trustworthy and knowledgeable. You should never stop learning! Take advantage of the classes your broker offers
Contact Info:
- Website: www.princessblakely.kw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/princessblakelyrealty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/princessblakelyrealty
