Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Phan.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
In college, I thought I knew what I wanted to do. I was very interested in fashion and dreamed of working for a luxury brand. I went to school at the University of North Texas to pursue that by double majoring in merchandising and digital retailing. I was able to secure a job right after graduation and on the side, worked as a field marketing representative for various wine and spirit brands. Shortly after, I was presented the opportunity to earn a master’s and just had to take it—free education! I was very busy, driven, but when I look back at my past career, I laugh because I never ended up working in fashion.
In 2020, I decided to take a leap of faith and with the strong encouragement of my husband, join the real estate industry. There wasn’t a light bulb or an aha moment, but it seemed right because of my personal goals and dreams. Growing up, I always valued education and if I worked hard enough, learned from those around me, I can make it to the top. What better way than getting into real estate where I can grow my business from the ground up and be my own boss calling the shots?
I am grateful for this transition. My role as a field marketing rep helped in knowing the best, new places to eat, play, and live. Following a rewarding career in marketing, e-commerce, and sales, real estate seemed like the best move for me where I’m able to utilize my experiences and apply them in providing quality service to my clients.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Ha, absolutely not! I knew starting a business would be hard but a real estate business? It’s tough. The first few months of real estate, I was still working at my full-time job. I told myself I would juggle both careers until I made enough real estate income to quit. But one day, I came to a realization that I couldn’t do both and ripped the band-aid off, putting in my two weeks’ notice.
At last, a free woman, but then what? I went months without a deal, pretty much depleting my savings. Eventually, in my first year of real estate, I did 3 deals!
Remind you the housing market was crazy and Covid was still very much active.
I believe the hardest thing for me was figuring out my purpose and overcoming imposter syndrome. I’ve been very blessed growing up and after school I expected myself to get a job and move up the ladder to one day be a director or an executive. Take a piece out of the equation, now where do I end up? Months of no deals or facing rejection was hard on my mentality. There were countless hours of touring homes and writing offers, essentially unpaid work, just for someone to not be in the market anymore or go with someone else. It was spending hundreds of my own money for a 1% chance of return-on-investment. Everyone was telling me I was doing a great job with marketing and handling a deal, but I always felt like it wasn’t enough, or I wasn’t good enough.
Almost two years in the business, I am currently working on renewing my license. My mindset has most definitely improved, and I am constantly learning every day. When the opportunity presents itself, imposter syndrome is out of the question, and I am prepared and focused. Being a realtor is definitely not for the faint of heart but surrounding myself with people that truly appreciate me and actually support me is why I stay…want to stay, in the business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a licensed real estate agent helping people buy, sell, or lease all throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. I can help renters lease rental homes and/or apartments too. I enjoy working with first-time home buyers and sellers because I love to educate on the processes of buying and selling a first home. You can see a lot of real estate tips on my social media, especially Instagram. I am proud in growing that platform as my business is based around social media and organic connections.
I value honesty, integrity and having direct communication with clients before, during and after a transaction. I treat each client with respect and provide the same outstanding customer service regardless of budget—I work all price points!
What sets me apart from other agents is knowing that real estate is not a job but a lifestyle. I like to get to know my clients on a personal level in addition to the home specs they want so it is important for me to know the best places to eat, play and shop. Client relationships are top priority, and I am extremely grateful to be a part of a huge milestone in many lives.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The pandemic was such a blur, and I can’t believe it’s been over two years. I remember losing my job and scrambling to find another when instead I could have taken time off. I got into real estate maybe 6 months into the pandemic, so I didn’t really learn anything new other than trying to grasp a footing in the industry. However, I learned a lot about myself and learned to adapt in the face of drastic change. The most important lessons I learned: the future is uncertain, harness the power of resilience and hold on to the people that make you feel best in life.
Covid or not, the future is unpredictable. Like I said earlier, I thought I had a set plan for life and when things didn’t go my way, I was stressed—very stressed out. But what’s the point of all this stress? It’s a waste of time and energy which is where resilience comes in. During covid, everyone had the time and opportunity to reevaluate everyday life. I practiced self-care in a multitude of ways as I was forced to adjust to a new work schedule, change gym routines and cut back on socializing. I no longer feel as guilty for giving myself a mental break when I am overwhelmed. I do believe I came out stronger after the pandemic mentally, physically and emotionally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethphanrealtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethPhanRealEstate/
Image Credits
San Nguyen-Tran Photography
